Age Assessment for Asylum Seekers

Why are there disputes over age?

The age assessment of unaccompanied children seeking asylum is a challenging process.

Many countries from which refugees and asylum seekers flee from do not have a robust administration system, particularly when it comes to registering births or issuing passports. Therefore, many individuals who enter the UK arrive without conclusive proof that they are a child.

Why does age assessment matter?

Children are entitled to various services from local councils, including education and accommodation. Age also has implications on whether the applicant is eligible for financial support and protections against deportation.

In immigration cases, whenever the age of the applicant is in doubt, the Home Office can order an age assessment, which operates under ‘benefit of the doubt’ guidance. This means that unless the applicant’s appearance very strongly suggests that they are significantly over the age of 18, they should be treated as a child until a more complete assessment is carried out.

Specialist Age Assessment Lawyers

Osbornes Law are instructed to help clients establish their age during the age assessment process and to help challenge assessments which conclude that an individual should be treated as an adult.

Our expert age assessment lawyers have significant experience in challenging negative age assessments, including issuing judicial review proceedings against local authorities.