Citation

Derluyn I, Broekaert E. Int. Migr. 2005; 43(4): 31-53.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration [and] Research Group for European Migration Problems)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study aims to gain insight about the population of unaccompanied minors traveling to the United Kingdom using the situation in Zeebrugge, one of Belgium's main ports, as a case study. Data were obtained from 1,093 data files on unaccompanied minors intercepted in Zeebrugge and observations carried out at the shipping police station. The intercepted unaccompanied minors are mainly male, between 15 and 18 years of age, and from an Asian or Eastern European country. Of the 899 unique persons found in the data files, 113 were intercepted several times. After the interception, the Aliens Office gives the majority (82.9%) an identity document without a requirement to leave Belgium, whereas 15.3% had to leave Belgium immediately or within 5 days. In 82.9% of the cases, a child protection officer was contacted to make a decision about the situation. In 67.2% of these cases, no child protection measure was taken, and the minor was allowed leave the police station; in 32% of the cases, the minor was transferred to a center, mostly crisis reception. Almost all of the minors wanted to reach the United Kingdom to create a better livelihood, join a family member, or escape a difficult political situation. Overall, the findings have several implications concerning the kind of decisions taken by legal authorities, the necessary physical and psychosocial care and the availability of an interpreter and social worker during the interception, the number of reception places and the care in these centers, and the tasks of the legal guardian.