> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://avid-detention.gitbook.io/avid-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://avid-detention.gitbook.io/avid-handbook/immigration-detention-in-the-uk-essential-legislation-policy-and-guidance/essential-immigration-and-asylum-law-for-visitors.md).

# Essential Immigration and Asylum Law for Visitors

This section should be read in conjunction with Legal Advice and Representation. Visitors  - who are not regulated to do so - should not give immigration advice as it is a criminal offence to do so and incorrect advice can have serious repercussions for the person involved.&#x20;

The information in this section is useful background reading for visitors on the legal framework for asylum (which impacts a high proportion of people in detention) and the use of immigration detention; it provides visitors with an understanding of what to expect when someone makes an asylum claim; and it is written to better equip visitors with knowledge of what options are available to the person that they are visiting.&#x20;


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://avid-detention.gitbook.io/avid-handbook/immigration-detention-in-the-uk-essential-legislation-policy-and-guidance/essential-immigration-and-asylum-law-for-visitors.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
