Mandatory detention is the practice of compulsorily detaining or imprisoning people seeking political asylum, or who are considered to be illegal immigrants or unauthorised arrivals into a country. Under a system of mandatory detention, such people will be detained while any claims for refugee status are processed, or while they are awaiting compulsory deportation.

Various countries practice different forms of mandatory detention.

See also

• Mandatory detention in Australia
• Mandatory sentencing

Prosecution | Australian migration law | Imprisonment and detention

Centre de rétention administrative