The Home Office and the Department for Children, Schools and Families have announced their intention for the UK Border Agency to have a legal duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children as part of the forthcoming Immigration Bill, which will be introduced in the next parliamentary session.

Those responsible for running the immigration system would share the same responsibilities as agencies which are subject to Section 11 of the Children Act 2004, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children.

Further information is available from the Department for Children, Schools and Families press release.