UK Could Introduce Knee Scans and Dental Tests for Illegal Immigrants Who Claim to Be Children

UK Could Introduce Knee Scans and Dental Tests for Illegal Immigrants Who Claim to Be Children
An inflatable craft carrying illegal immigrants crosses the shipping lane in the English Channel off the coast of Dover, England, on Aug. 4, 2022. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Chris Summers
Updated:

Scientific advisers have recommended the Home Office introduce MRI scans and X-rays of teeth and bones to check the biological age of illegal immigrants who claim to be children, but the advisers say the tests should be voluntary.

In January 2022 former Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “The practice of single grown adult men, masquerading as children, claiming asylum is an appalling abuse of our system which we will end. By posing as children, these adult men go on to access children’s services and schools through deception and deceit, putting children and young adults in school and care at risk.”

Chris Summers
Chris Summers
Author
Chris Summers is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of national stories, with a particular interest in crime, policing and the law.
Related Topics