International Protection Act 2026

Recording and handling of complaints

272. (1) On receipt of a complaint under section 271 , the Chief Inspector shall determine whether the complaint is admissible or inadmissible.

(2) Where the Chief Inspector has determined that a complaint is an admissible complaint, the Chief Inspector shall determine whether the complaint warrants a formal investigation under section 273 .

(3) For the purposes of making a determination under subsection (2), the Chief Inspector may make such enquiries as he or she thinks fit.

(4) On determining that a complaint is admissible, the Chief Inspector shall notify the complainant and the body responsible for the management of the designated asylum border facility of his or her determination.

(5) On determining that a complaint is inadmissible, the Chief Inspector shall—

(a) notify the complainant and include in the notification the reason for the determination, and

(b) notify the body responsible for the management of the designated asylum border facility, including in the notification a copy of the complaint and the reason for the determination.

(6) In this section and section 273 , “complainant” means—

(a) an applicant residing at a designated asylum border facility who lodges a complaint, or

(b) a legal representative who lodges a complaint on behalf of an applicant located at a designated asylum border facility.