Abstract: This paper draws on the results of the Cambridge Family Ties Project which investigated ties from prisoners' points of view. It argues that current policy and practice in relation to foreign national prisoners can be improved. The neglect of this group means that there are no accurate statistics concerning them. However, all the indications are that they form a significant proportion of the UK prison population, especially among those with longer sentences. Because of their distance from their families, lack of fluent English, and cultural isolation, these prisoners often experience a much harsher prison regime than their UK counterparts. Many of the recent policy changes intended to support the family ties of prisoners have little or no impact for foreign national prisoners. A number of suggestions are made about steps that might improve matters. Finally, the policy leading to the long prison sentences that most non‐UK prisoners receive as drug couriers is questioned. While such policies can be devastating, not only for those imprisoned, but also their families, there seems little evidence that they have any deterrent effect. It has been suggested that arrested couriers should simply be deported and that the British tax payer would thus be spared the considerable cost of maintaining these people in UK prisons.