8 June 2026

Partner, Zeena Luchowa, has been extensively quoted in a Global Mobility Lawyer magazine article covering the use of AI in UK immigration systems, particularly in automated age assessments.

Zeena has commented as follows:

It is crucial that appropriate precautions are in place to ensure data and analysis being relied upon in age assessments for people arriving in the UK is reliable so that children’s rights are protected.

There’s no doubt the current approach to age assessments is unreliable, with serious consequences for any child misidentified as an adult. This can result in children being put at risk, placed unsupervised in adult accommodation or immigration detention, with none of the required safeguarding protocols in place.

More needs to be done before AI is adopted for use for age assessments, and also more broadly across immigration decision-making. As a minimum, there must be robust oversight, transparency, and clear avenues for challenge. This is particularly important to note given we know of refusals being issued based on incorrect data, and instances of eVisas containing incorrect data, such as the personal information of another unconnected person. This can have serious real-life consequences, including inability to work, rent accommodation, or being refused entry to the UK.

However, commenting on the potential positives of the use of AI in immigration administration, Zeena added:

It would, however, be helpful for the Home Office to engage AI in areas which could support employers and individuals. For employers, AI could be beneficial in right-to-work checks – to generate automated reminders to employers to undertake checks, and how to do these, at relevant points, including when a work-related visa is issued or shortly before the expiry date.

Essentially, AI should be encouraged in areas where it acts as a support in reducing the administrative burden for individuals and employers, and making the immigration processes more efficient, rather than as a tool in Home Office decision-making which potentially leads to adverse or punitive consequences.

Read the full article here. (£)