How many unaccompanied migrant children are there?
In 2013, 1,174 separated children applied for asylum in the UK - similar to the numbers that applied in 2012 and 2011. A further 324 individuals applied for asylum in 2013 as children, but their ages were disputed. Much less is known about the numbers of separated migrant children who have not applied for asylum, but who are subject to immigration control. One report estimates there are as many as 120,000 undocumented children (including those in families) in the UK. Some may have been trafficked for sexual or labour exploitation. In 2012, 511 migrant children were identified as potential victims of trafficking. Others may have been brought to the UK for adoption or private fostering, and abandoned when the arrangement breaks down.
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