The government's use of European regulations has been criticised by organisations seeking to ensure the safety and wellbeing of asylum-seeking children.
Under the so-called Dublin Regulation, the UK can remove asylum seekers to their first entry point into Europe, provided it is an EU member, without the need for a formal assessment of their needs or of any asylum claim made in this country. In total, 445 children have been removed under these powers since 2004, 334 of whom were unaccompanied according to figures released in Parliament.
Serious concerns have been raised that the process contravenes Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009, which came into force in November 2009 and requires the UK Border Agency to promote the welfare of children while carrying out its functions.
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