A new protocol was recently signed on behalf of various government agencies and private groups covering the responsibility of authories handling foreign unaccompanied minors who enter Spain and the desired procedure to be followed. The number of unaccompanied minors entering Spain has amounted to over 2,800 in 2013.
As stated in the Immigration Law Regulations, the protocol highlights the crucial aspects regarding the treatment of such minors and the role that all concerned institutions and governing bodies should play when dealing with them.
This protocol was established by expert agents who receive the children and know their situation first hand. They have decided that initially the children should be put under police custody to verify if they do or do not have a record on file. The recently established protocol addresses another aspect regarding which of the following options would most likely be in the child´s best interest; repatriation or remaining in Spain.
In any case, the protocol is looking for all institutions to work together in the best interest of the minor.
Translated by: Katherine Pascal