The protection of the right to health of foreigners subject to removal orders is primarily ensured through a health assessment aimed at establishing whether their overall physical and mental conditions are suitable for living in a restricted environment. An analysis performed at three levels – legislation and ministerial regulations, local implementing measures and praxis – reveals several problems with this process. These findings underscore the urgent need to re-evaluate and strengthen the protection of the right to health in the Centres for Repatriation.