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<p>In March, the Government published the basis upon which further referrals under
section 67 will be made: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/policy-statement-section-67-of-the-immigration-act-2016"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/policy-statement-section-67-of-the-immigration-act-2016</a>.
We remain committed to transferring unaccompanied children from Europe under section
67 of the Immigration Act 2016 up to the specified number of 480. We are working closely
with Member States, as well as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) and NGO partners to identify and transfer
children to the UK in line with each individual Member State’s national laws. If it
is determined that transfer to the UK is in the child’s best interests, a referral
will be made under the National Transfer Scheme for a placement with a local authority
in the UK. Transfers are ongoing.</p><p>However, the primary responsibility for unaccompanied
children in France lies with the French government. As I set out in the Backbench
Business debate of 2 November, the French authorities have in recent weeks established
additional welcome centres to those already in place across the country. Four new
centres have recently opened, away from the juxtaposed ports, where those wishing
to claim asylum will be supported through the asylum process. There is regular transportation
provided to these centres. It is vital that children claim asylum in France; that
is the fastest route to safety.</p><p>According to Eurostat data, 63,300 unaccompanied
children claimed asylum in the EU in 2016:</p><p><a href="http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/8016696/3-11052017-AP-EN.pdf/30ca2206-0db9-4076-a681-e069a4bc5290"
target="_blank">http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/8016696/3-11052017-AP-EN.pdf/30ca2206-0db9-4076-a681-e069a4bc5290</a></p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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