The United Kingdom will use controversial bone tests to determine the age of migrants who claim they are minors, the Conservative government announced on Tuesday, making the fight against illegal immigration one of its priorities.
The measure is part of a series of new provisions to be presented to Parliament this week, said Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick.
The measure is part of a series of new provisions to be presented to Parliament this week, said Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick.
This project will allow the use of “x-rays to scientifically determine the age” of a person.
This will allow x-rays of dental development, of the hand and wrist, and MRI of the knees and collarbone to be performed.
The government aims to prevent adult migrants from posing as minors and benefiting from certain assistance.
Many European countries already use these tests, but they have been heavily criticized by doctors and migrant aid associations, who doubt their reliability.
Between 2016 and June 2023, there were 11,275 cases of age disputes among asylum seekers and, in almost half of them (5,551), the affected people were eventually considered adults, the ministry argued.
In recent months, the government has strengthened the law to try to prevent the arrival of illegal migrants, especially through the English Channel, from France.
Last year more than 45,000 people arrived in British territory via this route, and more than 23,000 so far this year.
