by A.P.
Latest figures from the UK Home Office reveal that over 2,000 supposed asylum seekers lied about their age to immigration officials, pretending to be children to improve their odds of remaining in the country.
Since 2015, the government has investigated 3,755 immigration cases where the age of the migrant was in question. Out of those investigations, some 2,203 asylum seekers were found to be over the age of 18, after previously claiming to be minors.
In reality, the actual number of fraudulent claims from migrants may be higher as cases are not opened against ‘children’ unless they appear to be “significantly” over the age of 18, after which they are age-assessed by local social workers.
A Home Office spokesman told the Daily Mail: “We are fixing our broken asylum system to make it firm and fair. We will seek to stop abuse of the system while ensuring it is compassionate towards those who need our help, welcoming people through safe and legal routes.”
Under the current system in the UK, child refugees fleeing from war, humanitarian crises, or terrorism are provided financial assistance until the age of 25. Those who are over the age of 18 are still afforded government assistance; however, the payments are much lower, incentivising the fraud.