ADVERTISEMENT

UK accused of breaking promise over Calais migrant kids

Britain has accepted more than 300 children in recent weeks from the Jungle, including 19 girls who arrived in Scotland over the weekend.

The interior ministry published new guidelines which outlined how it would decide which children are eligible for a new life in Britain after closing migrant camp on Calais

The interior ministry published new guidelines on Monday which outlined how it would decide which children are eligible for a new life in Britain, after the notorious camp across the Channel at the port of Calais was cleared last month.

If a child is Syrian or Sudanese, they are eligible up to the age of 15 under the guidelines -- but if they are any other nationality, this drops to age 12.

Children may also be let in if they are identified as being at high risk of sexual exploitation, and they are eligible up to the age of 18 if they are accompanying a sibling who meets one of the other criteria.

ADVERTISEMENT

In addition, the interior ministry said those eligible must have arrived in Europe before March 20, have been present in the Calais camp on or before October 24, and their transfer to the UK must be determined to be in their best interests.

Britain has accepted more than 300 children in recent weeks from the Jungle, including 19 girls who arrived in Scotland over the weekend.

A further 1,600 unaccompanied minors from the camp were dispatched to shelters around France earlier this month, while they wait to hear whether they will be granted permission to go to Britain.

Children face 'uncertain future'

While some youngsters have been brought to Britain due to family ties in the country, others have had recourse to a government amendment passed in May which allows vulnerable minors to seek refuge in the country.

ADVERTISEMENT

The legislation was named after opposition Labour politician Alfred Dubs, who came to Britain under the "Kindertransport" scheme to help child refugees fleeing the Nazis.

Responding to the interior ministry's new rules, Dubs said the new eligibility criteria "have breached both the letter and the spirit of the amendment".

"I think they are trying to find a way of avoiding taking more than a handful of children, and what I fear is that while this applies to Calais, they will extend it to unaccompanied children in Greece and Italy as well," he said, referring to the two main entry points in Europe for refugees and migrants.

More than 340,000 people have taken the sea route to Europe so far this year -- more than a quarter of them children, according to the UN refugee agency.

Dubs' criticism of Britain's response to the situation was echoed by MPs within the Labour party and the British Red Cross.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Hundreds of children now face an uncertain future. We strongly urge the government to reconsider the criteria and to show compassion in this ongoing crisis," said Alex Fraser, the charity's director of refugee support.

Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill defended the guidance, saying the Conservative government remained "absolutely committed" to bringing eligible children from France to Britain.

Syrian and Sudanese 13- and 14-year-olds have been specified because they are more likely to qualify for asylum, Goodwill said, adding that he expected several hundred more children to be transferred from France in the future.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Dr Bello appointed chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by Tinubu

Dr Bello appointed chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by Tinubu

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT