In a troubling revelation, nearly 100 children have been mistakenly categorised and detained as adults under the controversial “one in, one out” migration deal between the UK and France. This shocking statistic, disclosed in a critical letter to the Home Office, raises serious concerns about the safeguarding measures in place for vulnerable individuals seeking asylum.
Critical Findings from Independent Monitoring Boards
The figures, detailed in correspondence from Jane Leech, interim chair of the independent monitoring boards (IMBs), reveal that out of 304 cases of disputed ages reviewed over nine months, 94—equating to 31%—were ultimately identified as minors. Despite government policy stipulating that unaccompanied children should be detained for no more than 24 hours, these young individuals have been subjected to prolonged detention.
Leech’s letter to Home Office minister Anna Turley highlighted not just the misidentification of minors but also the severe conditions faced by detainees. Some individuals have been held for over six months, significantly exceeding the supposed limit of 28 days in exceptional circumstances. Alarmingly, individuals have even been prepared for deportation to France despite serious health issues, including tuberculosis.
Operation Hillmore Under Fire
Launched in August 2025, the “one in, one out” initiative—officially termed Operation Hillmore—enables the UK to send back certain migrants arriving via small boats while accepting an equal number from France, deemed to have valid asylum claims. However, the implementation of this programme has faced intense scrutiny due to its handling of vulnerable populations, particularly children and survivors of abuse.
Leech expressed severe concerns regarding the inefficacy of child safeguarding mechanisms within the scheme. “Your officials have informed the IMB that 304 age disputes have taken place between 15 August 2025 and 1 May 2026, of which 94 (31%) were assessed to be children,” she noted, calling for urgent reforms to prevent minors from entering detention in the first place.
Disturbing Health and Wellbeing Issues
The letter also pointed out egregious health oversights among detainees under Operation Hillmore. Leech reported issues at Manston immigration removal centre, where individuals with critical health conditions were improperly managed. One case involved a detainee arriving with tuberculosis, while another was denied admission to Brook House due to severe health issues and was sent directly to a hospital.
Leech argued that many detainees exhibit signs of psychological distress and may be survivors of torture or abuse. “Many of those who have recently arrived present as psychologically distressed,” she wrote, emphasising the urgent need for systemic changes to protect these vulnerable individuals.
Calls for Reform from Refugee Advocates
Imran Hussain, executive director of external affairs at the Refugee Council, described the figures as “disturbing,” reiterating concerns about the treatment of child refugees. He called for a shift towards prioritising professional age assessments conducted by trained social workers, a method that has proven to be more reliable in accurately determining age and safeguarding the wellbeing of minors.
In response to the growing outcry, a Home Office spokesperson stated that they are committed to enhancing age assessment procedures. “Robust age assessments are essential to maintaining the integrity of our border and ensuring migrants receive appropriate safeguarding and access to services,” they asserted, adding that new technology will be introduced to support these assessments next year.
Why it Matters
The alarming misidentification and detention of children as adults under the UK-France migration deal underscore deep flaws in the current immigration system. These revelations not only highlight the inadequacies of safeguarding measures but also raise ethical questions about the treatment of some of society’s most vulnerable individuals. As the debate continues, it is crucial that the government acknowledges these issues and takes decisive action to protect those who come seeking safety and refuge.
