Children’s watchdog rebukes Home Office plan to crackdown on refused asylum seekers
Summary
England’s children’s commissioner has warned that the Home Office’s plan to remove refused asylum seekers, including children, could cause serious harm. The plan includes cutting support for families waiting to leave and allowing physical force during removals, which may go against laws protecting children’s best interests.Key Facts
- The Home Office proposed cutting support for families with refused asylum claims, including children undergoing medical treatment.
- The children’s commissioner, Rachel de Souza, says these plans risk harming children and could break the Children Act 1989.
- Up to 27,000 children might be affected by the new policies, but the Home Office has not confirmed exact numbers.
- The plan suggests not considering ongoing medical treatment or lack of care in home countries as reasons to delay deportation.
- Families could be offered up to £10,000 each (up to four people) to leave the UK after rejection of their asylum claims.
- The Home Office wants to allow physical force, such as handcuffs, on children who do not comply with leaving, which is currently prohibited.
- The commissioner says force should only be used as a last resort and by trained professionals to protect children’s safety.
- Campaigners worry this could lead to deporting sick children who cannot be treated in their home countries.
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