Register open to refugee groups

July 6, 2005 in Asylum and refugees, Children

A national register of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children will
go live later this month, three months later than first
planned.

A spokesperson for the project said that the delay was due to a
decision to expand the database’s functions to allow it to be
searched by local authorities.

Some professionals are concerned that the government might use the
register as a way of identifying children who have recently turned
18 and are eligible for removal. Many children whose asylum claims
have failed are allowed to stay until they reach this age.

A Home Office spokesperson said the register was open to monitoring
by organisations promoting children’s and refugees’ rights. “The
register will help ensure that any returns of children are legal,
properly planned and open to scrutiny,” she added.