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The UK government has detained at least 76 children whose ages were disputed by the Home Office under its controversial “one in, one out” asylum policy, according to new research.
The scheme allows the UK to return migrants arriving by small boats to France, while accepting others through legal routes who have not made the crossing. However, holding unaccompanied minors in adult detention centres is unlawful under UK law.
Data compiled by the Humans for Rights Network since the policy’s implementation last September shows that dozens of young asylum seekers—many from conflict zones—have been detained while awaiting removal.
Maddie Harris said many of these children are survivors of trafficking and torture, and prolonged detention has led to serious deterioration in their mental health.
She added that disputed children are often denied proper care and access to local authority-led age assessments, leaving them without the protections afforded to minors. Advocacy groups have called for their immediate release and proper assessment within community settings.
Age determination remains a contentious issue in the UK asylum system. Freedom of information data suggests that many individuals initially classified as adults by the Home Office were later confirmed to be children following social worker assessments. In at least one case, a child returned to France as an adult was later identified as a minor.
Of the 76 cases identified, 26 children have since been released into social care, while 11 remain in adult accommodation awaiting age assessments. Another 13 have already been removed to France. Many originate from conflict-affected countries including Eritrea, Sudan, and Afghanistan.
The “one in, one out” policy has reportedly resulted in over 400 removals, with a similar number of asylum seekers being resettled in the UK through legal pathways. The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has launched a review into the scheme.
Legal challenges have also emerged. On 25 March, a High Court ruling halted the removal of two age-disputed children, raising concerns about whether proper age verification is being conducted before deportation.
Elizabeth Cole, representing one of the affected children, said the government’s stance on removing individuals without confirming their age is deeply troubling, particularly given the vulnerability of minors.
Meanwhile, some asylum seekers deported under the scheme have alleged mistreatment during removals, claiming injuries caused by the use of force. Officials maintain that any force used is lawful, proportionate, and necessary to ensure compliance.
A Home Office spokesperson defended the policy, stating that the government is intensifying efforts to curb small boat crossings. Authorities claim tens of thousands of attempted crossings have been prevented and nearly 60,000 individuals without legal status have been removed or deported.
