Written question asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 30 November 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 December 2016. It was answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 21 December 2016 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum: Children

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether unaccompanied asylum-seeking children brought to the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 will be given refugee status or discretionary leave to remain.

Answer: All children transferred here under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 will be expected to make an asylum claim in the UK, which will be considered according to normal processes. We aim to decide 98 per cent of straightforward asylum claims within six months. Where a child does not qualify for asylum and it is clear that safe and adequate reception arrangements are not available in their home country, they will be granted leave to remain under the Immigration Rules for 30 months or until they reach the age of 17 and a half, whichever is shorter.

Secondary information