Journal article

Investigating whether offshore immigration detention and processing are associated with an increased likelihood of psychological disorders

P Specker, B Liddell, R Bryant, M O’Donnell, A Nickerson

British Journal of Psychiatry | CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS | Published : 2025

Abstract

Immigration policies designed to deter people from seeking asylum are gaining traction in many Western nations, with the UK recently attempting to establish an offshore immigration processing centre in Rwanda. This letter outlines emerging evidence from Australia on the negative long-term psychological effects of offshore processing on people seeking asylum.

University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Awarded by National Health and Medical Research Council


Funding Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the contribution of the participants in this study. They also acknowledge the contributions of Settlement Services International and the Australian Red Cross to this study.