Guidance

Information for British people detained or imprisoned in Taiwan

Updated 11 December 2024

1. Key points

1.1 Overview

If you are a British person, and are arrested or detained in another country or territory, consular staff will do what they can to help you. However, we cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad. You can also request a paper copy from consular staff.

This information pack aims to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Taiwan and who can help. British Assistance and Service Section staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in another country or territory:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy, high commission or office (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the British embassy, high commission or office or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries or territories, the authorities might notify the British embassy, high commission or office even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and offices overseas. 

Contact details for our office in Taiwan can be found below:

British Office Taipei

26F, President International Tower
9-11, Song Gao Road
Xinyi District, Taipei, 11073
Taiwan

Phone: +886 (2) 8758 2088   

Fax: +886 (2) 8758 2060

Web form: www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-taipei

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

What we can do

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British people overseas that need our help the most.

In Taiwan, notification by the authorities to the British Office Taipei normally takes place within several days after your arrest.

We can also:

• provide a list of list of English-speaking lawyers and interpreters in Taiwan
• provide general information about Taiwan, detention conditions, and the local legal system
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances
• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)
• in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK

What we cannot do

• Get you out of prison or detention
• Help you get special treatment because you are British
• Offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• Pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• Forward you packages sent by friends or family
• Prevent authorities from deporting you after release

1.2 First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drug trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities Taiwan.

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers. You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

2. Detention conditions in Taiwan

2.1 Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Taiwan for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

If you are detained without any communication restrictions, you are typically permitted visits from family members. However, certain serious criminal offences may limit this privilege. The extent of your visitation rights will be determined by the Taiwanese authorities. For each visit, family members will be required to present their passport as a form of identification.

If you are relocated to solitary confinement, your communication privileges will be restricted. Telephone calls or visits, except to your lawyer or the British Assistance and Services Section, are forbidden during this time.

If your family members are based in the UK, it may be possible for them to arrange a virtual visit with you. They will need to submit a visitation request on the Agency of Corrections visitor portal. The prison authorities will review this request and decide whether to approve it. There is usually a high demand for this service and waiting times may take longer.

What to expect when you visit

For in person visits, visitors will need to bring their passport and complete a request form when they arrive. Typically, visits will take place in a designated visitation room. However, the prison or detention centre might allow the visit to happen in a different room if there are compassionate reasons involved. Visiting hours vary for each facility, so we recommend checking with the specific prison or detention centre before visiting.  

For virtual prison visits, once the request is approved, the Agency of Corrections will send instructions on how to join the call to the person who requested the virtual visit. Please be aware that the instructions on how to join the call are currently only available in Mandarin.

All visits are usually a maximum of 20 minutes long and can be stopped at any time without notice.

What you can take on your visit

Visitors are usually allowed to bring specific items, such as books or magazines (up to 3 per month in total), as well as certain types of toiletries. However, these items must be left at the prison visitor counter. They will be screened by prison officers before being delivered to you.

In certain prisons and detention centres, visitors may be allowed to drop off specific types of food and beverages at the prison visitor counter. These items will undergo screening and will then be delivered to you by prison staff. Some prisons and detention centres have restaurants nearby where family members or friends can purchase meals and snacks for you. We are aware of several restaurants where restaurant staff can deliver these to the prison counter for you, on your family or friend’s behalf. If you are interested in learning more about these services, the British Assistance and Services Section can provide further information.

Detainees under communication restrictions are normally permitted to receive clothes, funds and other eligible items from family members or friends.

Visits: British Assistance and Service Section Officers

We will try to visit you as soon as possible after your initial arrest. During our visit, you will have the chance to speak with a British Assistance and Services Section officer. A prison officer will typically be present during this meeting and may take notes of our conversation.

Depending on your communication restrictions, we will normally visit you once every three months whilst you are held on remand. If you are convicted and receive a custodial sentence, we will aim to visit you in prison once every six months.

You can write to us at any time on matters that concern you.

British Office Taipei
26F, President International Tower
9-11, Song Gao Road
Xinyi District, Taipei 11073
Taiwan

We may arrange further visits with you if we have any concerns regarding your health and welfare. For any urgent requests, you can request for the prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

Emergency trips outside of prison

Emergency hospital visits are typically the only approved trips outside of the prison or detention centre, excluding court appearances.

2.2 Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

Upon arrival at the police station, you should be informed in a language that you understand of the following:

1. The duration of your arrest and the possibility of it being extended.
2. The charges against you, along with details of where, when and why you were arrested.
3. Your right to remain silent, give a statement or to answer questions.
4. Your right to see a doctor.
5. Your right to have one person informed of your arrest (family member, friend or employer). However, should the Taiwanese authorities decide that this might compromise the criminal investigation or cause a risk to life, this request may be denied.
6. Your right to inform the British Office Taipei of your arrest.
7. Your right to legal support from a self-appointed lawyer or duty lawyer.
8. Your right to have an interpreter.

During this period, your personal belongings, including your mobile phone, will be securely stored in a locker and you will not have access to them whilst you are in your cell. Basic provisions such as food and water will be provided, however, bedding will not be supplied.

The police can detain anyone they suspect of committing a criminal offence for a maximum duration of 16 hours. If there are delays caused by waiting for legal representation or interpretation services to arrive, of if the suspect requests not to be questioned late at night, this time limit can be temporarily paused and extended.

Once the period of police custody concludes, you will either be released, or your case will be transferred to the local District Prosecutors Office for further investigation.

Appearing at court

Read more information about the Taiwan judicial system .

Initial arrival at a prison or detention centre

If remanded in custody, you will be transferred to a prison or detention centre whilst the criminal investigation takes place. Any personal belongings that are not held as evidence or as part of the investigation will usually be sent to this location.

Upon arrival at the prison or detention centre, you will undergo a general interview, health assessment and body search. This is an opportunity for you to disclose any personal healthcare concerns and any medication requirements. If you have any existing medication, this will be inspected and will require approval from the prison authorities before use. Additionally, your photograph and fingerprints will be taken, and you will be assigned a prisoner number which should be used for all correspondence and any financial transfers.

During this time, you will receive information about the rules and regulations of the facility, as well as a detailed overview of your rights. You will be required to wear a uniform whilst in the prison or detention centre.

In cases involving serious criminal offences, particularly those pertaining to drug offences, a communication restriction order may be issued during the investigation period to prevent the loss of evidence, or the evasion of potential suspects involved in the investigation. Under this order, suspects will be prohibited from communicating with anybody, except their appointed lawyer and the British Assistance and Services Section.

The majority of foreign nationals who are convicted and given a custodial sentence in Taiwan will be transferred to one of the following prisons in Taoyuan County.

Name of prison	Address	Telephone	Email	Website
Taipei Prison (Taoyuan)	No.2 Hong-The Village, Guishan District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.	+886 3 319 1119	[email protected]	www.tpp.moj.gov.tw/297069/
Taoyuan Women’s Prison	No. 617, Jungjeng Road, Lungtan Township, Taoyuan, Taiwan.	+886 3 480 7959	N/A	www.tyw.moj.gov.tw/7261

2.3 Prison: conditions and daily life

Most prisoners will spend the majority of their time in a prison factory or in their cell. The opportunity to participate in factory work, outdoor exercise and other activities will depend on behaviour and conduct in the prison.

Please refer to the Work and Study section for further information.

Accommodation

After completing the initial observation period, you will be relocated to a normal cell. Most cells typically accommodate around 8 – 10 detainees. They generally will have access to running water, electricity and receive natural light.

Each detainee will be provided with a foam mattress and pillow. Supplementary items such as blankets and additional pillows can be purchased through the prison shop.

Food and diet

You will be provided with three meals per day. Most meals will cater primarily for a Taiwanese taste, with limited western choices provided.

You are not given a choice of diets. However, if you have religious reasons or allergies, meals without pork or vegetarian diets are available. Additional food can be purchased by detainees at the prison shop using their own funds.

Hygiene

Each cell will have a toilet and washroom facilities which will be shared with the other detainees in the cell. Toiletries are not provided by the prison authorities.

You and your cell mates are responsible for keeping your cell clean and tidy.

Work and study

If you are based in a normal cell without any special restrictions, you will be required to participate in factory work. Your assignment within a specific factory will be determined by an assessment of your skills. Most foreign prisoners are normally assigned to either the paper bag or card factory.

You may be required to work up to eight hours per day, Monday through Friday, with two breaks, including a 1-hour break for lunch. You will receive a salary for your work; however, the pay is usually quite low.

Depending on your behaviour, conduct and prisoner level, you may have the chance to participate in educational programmes and other recreational activities during your time in prison. These offerings include Mandarin language lessons, as well as music and art classes.

It is important to note that classes are limited and the demand for each class can be very high. For further information, please speak to your responsible prison officer.

Exchange and languages

You can request local language materials from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries). Please see below for further information about Prisoners Abroad.

Learning basic Mandarin will help you to understand what is going on and to communicate more clearly with your cell mates.

Exercise

Most detention centres and prisons will typically promote participation in sports and outdoor exercise for at least one hour per week, weather permitting. Exceptions are made for individuals with health or medical conditions.

Climate

The climate in Taiwan is very different to that of the UK. Taiwan’s climate is subtropical, except for the southern part of the island, which is tropical. The summer months are hot and humid, lasting from around May to October. The winter months are cooler (with average low temperatures of around 14 degrees Celsius), though there are occasional cold spells in the north of the island.

Religion

Detention centres in Taiwan recognise and respect the right of prisoners to register and practise their faith whilst in custody. Religious leaders can visit prisoners upon request.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Taiwan prisons and detention centres operate a system of punishment and reward. Good behaviour, success at work and time served can lead to a higher rank, which comes with privileges. These privileges may include increased family visits or longer telephone calls.

We are not aware of any British prisoner ever being exposed to illegal drugs whilst incarcerated in Taiwan. Furthermore, it is important to note that alcohol and cigarettes are not permitted in prison or detention centres.

2.4 Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are two ways in which you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison:

• Private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends.
• Prisoners Abroad: depending on where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials items.

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends. Please note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources.

Please speak to your appointed British Assistance and Services Section officer for further information.

Medical and Dental treatment

Whilst you are detained in Taiwan, the prison authorities are responsible for ensuring that your basic medical needs are met. If you have any urgent health concerns, you will be able to consult the prison doctor or nurse immediately. If your medical condition is not considered urgent, you will need to apply for an appointment.

You will be required to pay for all medical and dental treatment, including medication. The cost of your medical treatment will be more expensive if you do not hold a National Health Insurance (NHI) card in Taiwan.

If you have a medical condition that cannot be adequately treated at the prison itself, you may be transferred to a hospital and be placed under police guard.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of the prison doctor. We can also assist with contacting your GP in the UK, if the prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

Prisoners are normally permitted to send and receive letters on a daily basis. All incoming and outgoing mail will first be reviewed by a prison officer before being sent out or delivered. Prisoners held in solitary confinement are limited to one outgoing letter per week.

If your family members or friends want to send you a package in prison, you will need to request permission from the prison authorities, explaining why the items are necessary. If approved, the package will be processed. It is important for senders to include your full name and prison number on each parcel. The British Office Taipei cannot accept parcels on your behalf.

If you intend to have medication or supplements sent to you by post, you will need to first request a medical prescription and approval from the prison medical unit. This prescription must accompany the parcel upon being posted to you. While prison regulations typically permit one parcel per month, exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Telephone calls

According to prison regulations, you can make a telephone call once every 3 months, for approximately 10 minutes. This includes to international telephone numbers. In order to make a telephone call, you will need to submit a request to your responsible prison officer.

If your family members are based in the UK, it may be possible for them to arrange a virtual visit (video call) with you. They will need to submit a visitation request on the Agency of Corrections visitor portal. The prison authorities will review this request and decide whether to approve it. There is usually a high demand for this service and waiting times may take longer.

Additional telephone call privileges may be granted during certain public holidays in Taiwan. 

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform the British Assistance and Services Section as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and, if possible, take photos of your injuries.

3. The Taiwan judicial system

3.1 Overview

Taiwan’s judicial system is composed of several tiers, each with its own specific roles and responsibilities. At the highest level is the Supreme Court, which serves as the ultimate appellate authority and exercises oversight over the entire judiciary. Beneath the Supreme Court are the High Courts, which address significant criminal and civil case appeals. Additionally, there are District Courts, responsible for conducting initial trials in both civil and criminal matters.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be adjudicated more quickly just because you are British or ask the authorities to waive any penalties. We also cannot become involved in the legal aspect of your incarceration and cannot assume the role of a legal advisor. This task is reserved for your lawyer.

A list of private English-speaking lawyers is provided at the end of this pack.

3.2 First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

When making an arrest, law enforcement officers in Taiwan are required to identify themselves and inform the individual of the reasons for their arrest. The person must also be informed of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. British people arrested in Taiwan have the right to request for the Taiwanese authorities to inform the British Office Taipei of their arrest.

You should speak with your lawyer If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest.

How long you can be remanded in custody

Initial arrest – the first 48 hours

After the arrest, suspects can be detained for up to 24 hours without being formally charged. During this time, the law enforcement officers must decide to either release the person or present the evidence gathered to the District Court for a preliminary hearing and potential charges.

A case can be dropped at this stage for lack of evidence. The first 48 hours are therefore very important.

Under investigation – the next 60 days

If the investigating prosecutor possesses reasonable grounds to believe that the individual under investigation has committed a criminal offence in Taiwan, a warrant for detention will be issued. The suspect will then be transferred to a detention centre pending the completion of the criminal investigation. Initially, the maximum period of detention allowed under Taiwanese law is 2 months. However, if the evidence suggests the suspect’s culpability, the prosecutor may petition the judge for an extension to further investigate the case. Each extension request may be granted for a maximum period of an additional 2 months at a time.

In cases involving serious criminal offences, particularly those pertaining to drug offences, a communication restriction order may be issued to prevent the loss of evidence, or the evasion of potential suspects involved in the investigation. Under this order, suspects will be prohibited from communicating with anyone except their appointed lawyer and the British Assistance and Services Section during approved visits.

Court

If the investigating prosecutor determines that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against a suspect, the case will be taken to court and presented before a judge.

In Taiwan, criminal trials are overseen by a panel of judges. The trial operates on an adversarial system, where prosecutors present evidence and arguments to support their case, and the defence counter with evidence and arguments in favour of the accused. Witnesses may be called to testify, and both the prosecution and defence are given the chance to cross-examine them.

After the presentation of evidence, the court will deliberate and reach a judgement. If the suspect is found guilty, the court will impose a sentence based on the severity of the offence. Sentences may include imprisonment, fines, or other penalties including deportation. 

Both the prosecution and the defence have the option to appeal the sentence rendered by the judge. Appeals will be heard by higher courts, and the appellate court may review the case with regards to legal errors or newly presented evidence.

After you are charged

Upon being formally charged, the individual will be transferred from the detention centre to a prison, where they will serve their prison sentence. Any time spent in the detention centre during the criminal investigation period will be subtracted from their final sentence.

Bail

Prior to being formally charged, suspects generally do not have a right to bail. Bail is rarely granted in serious offence cases, for example drug smuggling and murder. However, for minor offences, the investigating prosecutor may consider granting bail to the suspect. Bail applications can be made at any point during your period of detention.

If you wish to apply for bail, you should discuss this request with your appointed lawyer.

3.3 Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

In Taiwan, you have access to the following types of legal assistance:

1. Duty Lawyer: These legal professionals can be assigned to suspects exclusively for their initial interrogation and interview at the police station following their arrest. While this service is offered without charge, it is important to note that duty lawyers may have limited proficiency in English.

2. Private Lawyer: If you wish to hire a private lawyer, please refer to - list of English-speaking lawyers in Taiwan. Your appointed lawyer will be able to provide further information on estimated legal fees and any additional representation costs.

3. Legal Aid: The Legal Aid Foundation is a legal service dealing mainly with family law and criminal legal matters in Taiwan. They may be able to provide free legal advice as well as court representation, and grants of legal aid funds to pay for a legal aid lawyer or a private solicitor. This is not automatic however and there is qualifying criteria.

For further information, please refer to the Legal Aid Foundation’s website.

Trial

Criminal cases follow a set procedure outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedures. The process usually starts with an investigation conducted by law enforcement officers. After the investigation, the district prosecutor’s office files charges and the case is turned over to the District Court for trial.

An initial trial date is set by the District Court Judge assigned to the case. On the trial date, the accused is taken to court either from the detention centre, or if released on bail, called to appear through a summons. Trials often occur in stages, which may be separated by periods of weeks or even months.

The Judge is expected to act as an impartial referee. Defence lawyers and prosecutors are considered equal participants in the trial. Defence lawyers have the right to cross-examine prosecution witnesses and to present witnesses beneficial to the defence.

The Judge renders the final verdict. If you are found guilty, the Judge determines the sentence. If you are found not guilty, you will be released. In either case, a written copy of the decision will be sent to you or your lawyer.

Sentences

In Taiwan, criminal sentences fall into two main categories: custodial and non-custodial.

Custodial sentences refer to imprisonment, which can range from short-term to life imprisonment. The death penalty is codified within statutory law for the most severe and serious crimes.

Non-custodial sentences do not involve imprisonment but may include fines, community service or alternative measures like education programmes or counselling.

Appeals

After receiving a sentence from the court, your lawyer may file an appeal. You can also request assistance from the detention centre in preparing your appeal. It is important to note that appeals for criminal cases must be lodged within 10 days and within 20 days for civil cases.

The prosecution also holds the right to appeal and may exercise this right accordingly.

3.4 Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Assuming you maintain a record of good conduct, parole is usually considered after a prisoner has served two thirds of their sentence.
Parole is granted by the Ministry of Justice based on a recommendation from prison officials. Foreign nationals are usually deported from Taiwan as soon as they are paroled.

Clemency or pardon

If a prisoner becomes extremely ill and their life may be in danger, it may be possible for the enforcement of their sentence to be suspended. However, such applications are very rare and must be submitted by the prisoner’s appointed lawyer. There is no legislation confirming the criteria for clemency and the decision to accept a request would be discretionary.

Financial penalties

If a financial penalty is imposed, it cannot be settled by the British Office Taipei. You will receive specific instructions from the Taiwanese authorities regarding the amount, payment instructions and the deadline for when the fine must be settled. You should not attempt to leave Taiwan without having paid your fine. Failure to comply will result in arrest and detention, and the Taiwanese authorities may seek to impose further charges.

Transfer to another prison within Taiwan

After a suspect has been tried and convicted of a crime, they will be transferred from the detention centre to a prison where they will serve their prison sentence.

Transfer requests to other prisons in Taiwan can be made at any time by submitting a request to your responsible prison officer. However, it is important to note that such requests typically only receive approval in cases where exceptional or compassionate circumstances are demonstrated.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

The United Kingdom and Taiwan have ratified a formal Prisoner Transfer Agreement, enabling British people detained in Taiwan to apply to transfer to the UK to serve out the remainder of their custodial sentence.

To transfer to the UK, you must:

• be a British citizen or have close family ties with the UK (normally through permanent residence in the UK)
• not be awaiting trial
• have exhausted all appeals against your conviction and/or the length of your sentence; or have waived your right to an appeal
• have at least 6 months of your sentence left to serve when you apply for transfer
• have no outstanding fines or other non-custodial penalties

The offence you were convicted for must also be a criminal offence in the part of the UK you wish to be transferred to: England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Please note, even if the UK authorities approve your request, the Taiwanese authorities may still reject it. The UK authorities may also refuse your request. Reasons for this might include if you have not lived in the UK for a number of years and you have no close family living there.

The British Assistance and Services Section can take you through the process in more detail.

Release and deportation

Foreign nationals incarcerated in Taiwanese prisons are usually deported after being granted parole or serving their full custodial sentence. Once reaching this stage, the individual will be transferred to the nearest Immigration Detention Centre until the day of their flight. On the day of their departure, they will be escorted to the airport by a law enforcement officer.

If you are a long-term resident of Taiwan, your lawyer will be able to advise on whether you may be able to stay in Taiwan at the end of your sentence.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can arrange an appointment with their Resettlement Team when you first arrive back in UK. They can help with advice, temporary luggage storage, making essential phone calls or using a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

The Salvation Army

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888

Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

The Prison Fellowship

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you are arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

4. Additional information

4.1 Further information and organisations in Taiwan

Name	Address	Telephone	Email
Amnesty InternationalTaiwan	7F, No.36, Lane 165, Section 3, Bade Road, Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan.	+886 2 2709 4162	[email protected]
Judicial Reform Foundation	7F, No.3, Lane 90, Song Jiang Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei, Taiwan.	+886 (02) 2523-1178	[email protected]
Legal Aid Foundation	6F, No.200, Section 2, Jinshan South Road, Da’an District, Taipei, Taiwan.	+886 (02)2322-5151	[email protected]
Salvation Army Taiwan	2F, No.273, Dun Hua South Road, Section 2, Da’an District, Taipei, Taiwan.	+886 (02) 2738 1079/1171	[email protected]

4.2 Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial. Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner and Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:
* your rights as a prisoner * issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK * getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter * learning the language of your country of imprisonment * translating documents * grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources * grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources * preparing for release * help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting * Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad

UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098

Mondays to Fridays  9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)

89 – 93 Fonthill Road

London N4 3JH

UK

4.3 Annex

• FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad guide
• FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals
• List of English-speaking lawyers in Taiwan
• List of translators or interpreters in Taiwan
• Prisoners Abroad Handbooks
• Prisoners Abroad Authorisation Form
• Prisoners Abroad Family Contact Form
• Death Penalty Project