Dozens of children who went missing from asylum hotels still unaccounted for years later

27th August, 2026 | News

40 Children Who Went Missing From UK Asylum Hotels Still Unaccounted For

At least 40 children who went missing from asylum seeker hotels in the UK have still not been found, according to a new report by Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights.

The committee said all but two of the missing children are now adults, after disappearing from accommodation while seeking asylum in the UK.

England’s Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, described the situation as an “unacceptable failure” and called on the government to explain what steps are being taken to locate those still missing.

The issue came to public attention three years ago when it emerged that more than 400 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, some as young as 12, had disappeared from hotels being used by the Home Office.

The committee expressed serious concern over the number of children who remain missing and urged the Home Office to investigate why they disappeared, strengthen safeguarding measures and provide regular updates every three months.

Officials have previously warned that some children who were eventually located were found in potentially exploitative situations and may have been victims of trafficking.

The use of hotels to accommodate unaccompanied asylum-seeking children has faced criticism from human rights groups, who argue that such facilities are unsuitable for vulnerable children.

The government said the safety and wellbeing of children remain a priority, adding that the vast majority of children reported missing from the Home Office accommodation have since been located. It also noted that police forces are responsible for investigating missing-person cases, while the Home Office continues to share relevant information with authorities and safeguarding partners.