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See other news storiesKeeping immigrant children safe
25 June 2007
Immigration policies amended to provide more protection for children of immigrants.
A new amendment to the UK Borders Bill will, for the first time, place a legal obligation on the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) to keep children safe from harm.
The agency will now be bound to consider a new statutory code of practice whenever children are caught up in the immigration system.
The new amendment is part of a package of measures designed to update the rules on immigration.
Other elements of the change to the UK Borders Bill
Other key elements include:
- a pilot programme that offers alternatives to detention for children whose families have legal difficulties
- a review of how family removals are handled
- launch of a framework of principles for protecting immigrant children
Expanding existing child protection policies
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said that while keeping the country safe was paramount, officials must not forget that children are vulnerable.
'Working to keep children safe is not new to our agency,' Mr Byrne emphasised. 'The actions announced today are a big step forward, and I pay tribute to campaigning organisations that helped us get our policy right.'
He said the code of practice 'will provide a robust and transparent basis for keeping children safe.'
Beverley Hughes, minister for the Department for Education and Skills, said that protecting children was a governmental responsibility shared by all agencies.
'I very much welcome today's statement by Liam Byrne and the Border and Immigration Agency, and I am particularly pleased that the agency is seeking to place its responsibilities to keep children safe from harm on a statutory footing,' Hughes said.
