Move is part of scheme to target families for expedited voluntary removals before enforced removal proceedings
Children may be forcibly removed from the UK in handcuffs to “overcome noncompliance” as part of proposals Home Office is considering to send more asylum seeker families back to their home countries.
Since coming into office, the government has pledged to deport more migrants and has increased both voluntary and enforced returns, although some of those who have left the UK voluntarily did so without informing the Home Office.
While some migrant families are removed each year, on Thursday the Home Office announced a new pilot scheme to target 150 families in the asylum system – primarily those whose claims have been refused – for expedited voluntary removals with enhanced cash payments of £10,000 a person up to £40,000 per family.
Families will have just seven days to decide whether or not to accept the offer. If they decline, enforced removal proceedings will begin. According to a new consultation document, proposals could include handcuffing children who resist being put on a plane and sent back to their home country.
