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<p>The Dublin III Regulation is a long-standing mechanism between EU Member States
to determine which single State has responsibility for examining an asylum claim,
whilst at the same time recognising family ties as a factor to unite whilst an asylum
claim is considered. We will be bound by the Dublin III Regulation as long as we remain
a member of the EU; and in the event of a deal, we will continue to meet our obligations
under it throughout the Implementation Period.</p><p>The Government is fully committed
to the timely and efficient operation of the Dublin III Regulation including the family
reunification provisions. The UK continues to process requests from other Member States
to transfer individuals to the UK to have their asylum claims assessed.</p><p>The
UK has taken a number of actions to strengthen Dublin processes. As part of the Sandhurst
Treaty, signed between the UK and France on 18 January 2018, we agreed a comprehensive
package to support unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee children. This includes
a £3.6 million development fund to support eligible children through the Dublin process
and ensures that those without any prospect for transferring to the UK are informed
of their options. We have also agreed shorter timescales for the acceptance and transfer
of cases under the Dublin process and have deployed a UK asylum liaison officer to
France to support this process.</p><p>We are working to secure a comprehensive returns
agreement with the EU that replaces our obligations under Dublin once we leave the
EU, post Implementation Period. Furthermore, as set out in section 17 of the Withdrawal
Act, the UK will seek to negotiate an agreement with the EU to continue to provide
a legal route for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children to be reunited with family
members in the UK.</p>
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