The UK Home Office has been criticised after reports revealed that 76 “age-disputed” children have been detained in immigration centres under the government’s controversial “one in, one out” returns scheme.
The policy allows individuals arriving in the UK via small boats to be returned to France, while a separate individual who has not attempted the journey is brought to the UK through a legal route.
Research by the Humans for Rights Network found that, since removals began in September, dozens of young asylum seekers whose ages were disputed by the Home Office have been held in detention facilities intended for adults – a practice that is unlawful for unaccompanied children.
According to the findings, many of these individuals come from conflict-affected countries such as Eritrea, Sudan, and Afghanistan. Concerns have been raised that prolonged detention has negatively impacted their mental health, particularly as many are survivors of trauma, including torture and trafficking.
Maddie Harris from Humans for Rights Network warned that these children are being denied access to appropriate care and proper age assessments conducted by social workers. She emphasised that vulnerable minors should not be detained and should instead be supported within community-based systems.
Age assessment remains a highly contentious issue. Data obtained from local authorities shows that a significant number of individuals initially classified as adults by the Home Office were later confirmed to be children following formal assessments. In one case, a young person returned to France as an adult was subsequently identified as a child.
Of the 76 individuals identified, 26 have since been released into the care of children’s services, while 11 remain in adult accommodation awaiting assessment. A further 13 have already been removed to France.
The “one in, one out” scheme is reported to have resulted in over 400 returns to France, with a similar number of asylum seekers being admitted to the UK through legal pathways. The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has launched a call for evidence as part of an investigation into the programme.
Legal challenges are also emerging. On 25 March, the High Court of England and Wales halted the removal of two age-disputed individuals following concerns about their treatment and legal status.
Elizabeth Cole, representing one of the affected individuals, welcomed the decision, stating that removing individuals without first confirming their age raises serious legal and ethical concerns, particularly given the vulnerability of children.
There have also been allegations of excessive force during removals. Some individuals deported shortly after the court hearing reported injuries, including dental damage, swelling, and other physical harm. In response, Home Office sources stated that reasonable and proportionate force may be used when individuals resist removal, in order to ensure safety and compliance.
A Home Office spokesperson defended the policy, highlighting ongoing efforts to reduce small boat crossings and increase removals of individuals without legal status. The department stated that thousands of attempted crossings have been prevented and tens of thousands of individuals have been removed from the UK.