Ensuring Safety: Rethinking Age Assessment Procedure in the UK Asylum System for the Protection of Vulnerable Children

The initial age assessment stage in the asylum process is crucial. Asylum seekers are allocated to their accommodation based on their age. The concerning issue here is the modus operandi of age assessment. Two Home Office members of staff have the responsibility to assess the individual by analyzing their appearance and demeanor. This apparent-based approach has led to the rise of two concerning scenarios. i) Children being allocated in adult accommodation where there is a chance of them being re-trafficked; ii) an adult being allocated in an accommodation where children seeking asylum are already residing. These scenarios pose intricate challenges for the safety of children seeking asylum, contravening both international and domestic laws in the UK that prioritize the welfare and protection of minors. Furthermore, the imminent implementation of the Illegal Migration Bill may exacerbate these challenges. The primary objective of this research is to identify and recommend enhanced procedures for age assessment to ensure the safety of children within the asylum-seeking process in the UK. Through a socio-legal research methodology, the findings aim to present compelling evidence supporting the necessity of procedural reforms in age assessment, with a specific focus on safeguarding the wellbeing of children seeking asylum. Resultantly, this research advocates for a more equitable and just asylum system that aligns with the international and national obligations to ensure the protection of children seeking refuge in the United Kingdom.