Immigration Minister Chris Evans has launched an inquiry into immigration detention and possible alternatives.

According to Government figures, there are 461 people detained in centres across Australia.

The Federal Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Migration has been asked to investigate the criteria for detention, length of time in detention, and accountability and transparency in immigration detention processes.

The inquiry chairman, Labor MP Michael Danby, says the committee will develop a blueprint for Australia's immigration detention policy and will also examine the physical environment of detention centres and possible alternatives to detention.

"There are perhaps situations where people could live in the community and comply with the law over their detention by living outside. We want to have a more creative and open mind to ideas of handling people like that," he said.

Mr Danby said the committee visited the Villawood Detention Centre in April where concerns were raised over the length of time people were being detained and the environment of the centre.

The inquiry will also look into the possibility of offshore detention being scrapped, however Mr Danby said the Government was not committed either way, even though there was now no one being held at the Christmas Island facility.

The committee is planning a visit to Christmas Island as part of the inquiry.

"I suppose we could recommend that. It depends on the circumstances and conditions that confront us but I think the Government at the moment wants to keep open that option because of its effect on illegal fishermen," Mr Danby said.

People who have had an experience with detention in Australia are being encouraged to contribute to the inquiry.

The committee visited the Villawood Detention Centre in April.