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Immigration: Removal of Children

Volume 703: debated on Tuesday 22 July 2008

asked Her Majesty’s Government:

Whether arrangements are in place to ensure that children are not removed from the country when they are unfit to travel and that, where medical advice is received to this effect, the child and his or her parents or guardians are granted temporary admission. [HL4658]

The United Kingdom Border Agency fully considers known information regarding the health of each family member when planning a family removal. Should medical advice suggest that a child is unfit to travel, the removal would be deferred.

The policy surrounding family removals can be found in chapter 45 of the enforcement guidance and is publicly available on the UKBA website at: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/enforcement/detentionandremovals

Cases involving the detention of children are reviewed regularly to ensure that the decision to detain is based on the current circumstances of the case and that detention remains appropriate. Detention of children beyond 28 days is subject to ministerial authorisation.