AI Facial Recognition to Check Age of Asylum Seekers from Next Year

AI facial recognition to check age – The UK government has announced plans to introduce AI facial recognition technology at border checkpoints to assess the age of asylum seekers starting in 2027. This system, developed by a contracted software firm, will use photographs of individuals to estimate their age, aiming to identify adults who falsely claim to be children. The initiative is intended to address concerns over migrants exploiting the asylum process by presenting as minors, thereby accessing additional support and protections.

Contract Award and Technology Development

A new contract has been awarded to Akhter Computers Ltd, an IT supplier based in Harlow, to implement and refine the AI tool. The agreement will fund further testing and development of the technology over three years, with an estimated cost of £322,000. The Home Office believes the system will streamline age verification, reducing the risk of adults manipulating the process to secure asylum benefits.

The decision to adopt this technology follows years of rising asylum claims, particularly from individuals crossing the English Channel in small boats. According to Home Office data, the number of people seeking asylum in the UK increased by 14% in the year ending June 2025, reaching 111,084. Of these, over 6,400 were age-assessed at border facilities in the year ending March 2026, with 43% identified as adults. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in accurately determining age without advanced tools.

The government’s independent immigration inspector reported last year that some adults had been misclassified as children, while others had been incorrectly labeled as adults. The report emphasized the need for a reliable method to assess age, as errors in classification can deprive children of essential rights and protections. The AI system is seen as a potential solution, with officials claiming it offers “promising performance and accuracy” after initial trials.

Human Rights Concerns

Despite the Home Office’s optimism, human rights organizations have raised objections to the scheme. Human Rights Watch has called the technology “unproven,” arguing it could harm vulnerable children by subjecting them to a dehumanizing process. Anna Bacciarelli, a senior AI researcher with the group, stated that the system risks denying children their legal entitlements. She criticized the government for relying on an experimental tool, noting that its use in refugee contexts lacks ethical justification.

“The government needs to scrap this deeply flawed approach to assessing child refugees. Experimenting with unproven technology to determine whether or not a child should be granted protections they desperately need and are legally entitled to is cruel and unconscionable. In addition to subjecting vulnerable children and young people to a dehumanising process that undermines their human rights, we don’t actually know if facial age estimation works,” Bacciarelli said.

Current age assessments for asylum seekers are conducted by trained immigration officers using documents, X-rays, and MRI scans. The AI tool will act as a supplementary method, aiding officials when age verification is uncertain. However, the Home Office has not yet used test results to make live decisions, leaving the system’s effectiveness unproven in real-world scenarios.

The AI facial recognition system will be trialed for the first time on asylum seekers at the Western Jet Foil processing center in Dover next year. This pilot phase will evaluate how the technology integrates with existing procedures and whether it improves accuracy. While the Home Office argues that the system is the most “cost-effective option” for age assessment, critics warn of potential biases and errors, especially in diverse populations.

Supporting the Asylum System

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, defended the initiative, stating that adults “making false age claims have exploited the system and diverted vital support away from children at risk.” He highlighted the importance of using AI to ensure those who game the system are quickly identified, detained, and removed, while allowing genuine child refugees to receive necessary care. The technology is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce the burden on human officers.

However, the rollout of AI has sparked debates about its reliability. While the system has been tested on images of people from various ethnicities and genders, its performance in asylum settings remains uncertain. Human rights advocates argue that the technology’s use in shops and bars does not guarantee its accuracy when applied to children in high-stakes legal situations. They stress the need for more rigorous validation before widespread implementation.

Implications for Asylum Seekers

The introduction of AI could significantly impact how asylum seekers are processed, particularly those arriving without adult accompaniment. These individuals are typically routed through the care system rather than the asylum system, which provides additional safeguards. By automating age verification, the government aims to expedite decisions and allocate resources more effectively. Yet, this approach risks creating a system where children are judged based on algorithmic assessments rather than human judgment.

With the trial set to begin next year, the AI system will be scrutinized for its ability to handle complex cases. The Home Office’s focus on reducing age assessment errors is understandable, given the stakes for children seeking refuge. But critics question whether the technology can replace the nuanced expertise of trained professionals. They also raise concerns about the potential for misuse, especially when children are denied protection due to incorrect classifications.

As the UK prepares to implement this new system, the balance between efficiency and fairness will be critical. While the AI tool promises to address systemic vulnerabilities, its success depends on how well it adapts to the unique challenges of asylum seeker populations. The coming months will determine whether this technology can be trusted to safeguard the rights of the most vulnerable individuals or if it will exacerbate existing issues in the immigration process.

Future Steps and Ethical Considerations

The Home Office has already integrated the AI tool into its operational system, using it to analyze images from different demographics. However, the software’s results have not been employed in final decisions, leaving its application in doubt. This cautious approach reflects the government’s awareness of the technology’s limitations, but it also highlights the urgency of addressing age misrepresentation in asylum claims.

As the trial progresses, the government will monitor its effectiveness and address any shortcomings. The ultimate goal is to ensure that asylum seekers who are genuinely children receive the support they need, while those who misuse the system are held accountable. Yet, the ethical implications of relying on AI for such critical judgments remain a point of contention. Human rights groups urge the government to prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that the technology does not compromise the dignity of those seeking refuge.

With the UK’s asylum system facing increasing pressure, the integration of AI represents a significant shift in how age is determined. While the technology offers potential benefits in terms of speed and accuracy, its implementation requires careful consideration of the rights and well-being of asylum seekers. The outcome of this trial will shape the future of age assessment, determining whether AI becomes a reliable ally or a source of controversy in the process.