The UK government is preparing to introduce artificial intelligence facial recognition technology to help determine the age of asylum seekers who claim to be under 18, as part of efforts to strengthen border controls and prevent abuse of the asylum system.
According to reports, the Home Office plans to use AI-powered age estimation for individuals who arrive without verifiable identity documents, including migrants crossing the Channel in small boats.
The technology will be used alongside existing age assessment procedures and is expected to be rolled out in 2027 following further testing.
Officials said early trials have demonstrated “promising performance and accuracy”, although the system will undergo rigorous evaluation before being introduced nationwide.
Under UK asylum rules, unaccompanied children receive different support and legal protections than adults, making age assessments a critical part of the process.
Currently, immigration officers conduct assessments when an applicant’s age is disputed. However, previous inspections have highlighted concerns about training and consistency, with some decisions later overturned.
Government figures show that 6,420 asylum seekers underwent initial age assessments in the year to March 2026, representing around 7% of all asylum claims. Of those assessed, 43% were determined to be adults.
However, age disputes remain common. Data from late 2025 revealed that 17% of individuals initially classified as adults were later found to be children after further review.
The Home Office has reportedly partnered with Cognitec, a German firm already working with border authorities in Germany and Australia on identity verification systems.
Border Security Minister Alex Norris defended the move, saying: “For too long, adult migrants making false age claims have exploited the system and diverted vital support away from children at risk.”
“That is why we are rolling out AI technology to put a stop to this, ensuring those who game the system are identified, detained and removed without delay, and those who deserve support and protection are given it.”
However, the proposal has sparked concerns among social work professionals.
British Association of Social Workers warned ministers against relying on technological “shortcuts” in cases involving vulnerable young people.
Its chief executive, Sam Baron, said: “Social workers are best placed to determine age as they take a ‘whole picture’ approach, whereas these other methods put forward by the Government do not.”
“A 16-year-old from Syria and an 18-year-old from Syria can look the same to AI, yet a social worker can consider their background and their life so far to identify maturity and the best likelihood of their correct age.”
The move comes as the government continues efforts to reduce illegal Channel crossings. Since 2024, more than 73,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats, while officials say around 42,000 attempted crossings have been prevented.
So far this year, 8,778 migrants have made the journey, a decline of 36% compared with the same period last year.