UK Urged to Reform Adoption Laws Affecting Nigerians

Reforming UK Adoption Laws to Support Nigerian Families

Udo suggests that reviewing UK adoption cases on an individual basis would be a fairer approach...

Nigeria Immigration Service seeks UK adoption law reform. Current laws cause emotional and financial strain on Nigerian families. Proposed bilateral agreement would simplify the process, ensuring individualized assessments.

Nigeria Immigration Service's Deputy Comptroller and Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, is calling on the UK to reconsider its adoption laws as they relate to Nigerians. He believes a bilateral agreement between the two countries is essential to address the issues surrounding British adoption laws that are currently affecting some Nigerians.

Udo suggests that reviewing UK adoption cases on an individual basis would be a fairer approach, rather than applying a blanket rule to all Nigerians seeking to bring adopted children into the UK. This proposed change could alleviate some of the difficulties faced by Nigerian families.

Current Challenges with UK Adoption Laws

Nigerian adoption orders are not automatically recognized in the UK, largely because Nigeria has not ratified the 1993 Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. This leads to complexities and uncertainties for families navigating the adoption process.

Potential Benefits of a Bilateral Agreement

A bilateral agreement could streamline the adoption process and provide clearer guidelines for Nigerian families. It would also ensure that the best interests of the child are prioritized, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Way Forward

By revising its stance on adoption laws, the UK can help alleviate emotional distress, expenses, and delays faced by Nigerian families. A more collaborative approach would promote mutual trust and cooperation, ultimately benefiting children and families involved in intercountry adoptions.

“If the parents have followed all Nigerian adoption laws, a blanket policy by the UK preventing them from bringing their adopted child into the country could seem unfair.

“However, the UK's reasoning likely stems from concerns about safeguarding the child's welfare, ensuring proper immigration processes and preventing exploitation.

“It would be more just if such cases were reviewed individually rather than applying a blanket rule to all Nigerian adoptions,” he said.

The UK's adoption laws have been causing distress for Nigerian couples seeking to adopt. About a decade ago, the UK introduced strict guidelines for couples adopting from Nigeria and other specified countries. One major requirement is that prospective adoptive couples must cover the travel costs of UK adoption agency officials to oversee the process. This has resulted in heartbreaking experiences for many couples, with some forced to relocate from the UK or make annual visits to Nigeria just to see their children.

Challenges with UK Adoption Laws

Nigerian adoption orders aren't automatically recognized in the UK since Nigeria hasn't ratified the 1993 Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. This creates complexities for families navigating the adoption process. To make matters worse, the UK has restricted adoption from Nigeria, making it even harder for couples to bring their adopted children into the country.

Impact on Families

A Nigerian couple living in the UK, Mr. and Mrs. W, faced similar challenges when trying to bring their adopted son to the UK. Despite being lawful residents, they struggled to get recognition of their adoption order. The couple had to keep in touch with their son through social media, highlighting the emotional toll of being separated from their child.

Potential Solutions

Experts suggest that Nigeria ratifying the 1993 Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption could ease the adoption process and provide clearer guidelines for Nigerian families. This would also ensure the best interests of the child are prioritized, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. By addressing these challenges, the UK and Nigeria can work together to make intercountry adoptions smoother and less distressing for families.

Immigration officials request consent letters from parents traveling abroad with children to ensure the child's safety and prevent international child abduction. This letter confirms that the traveling parent or guardian has permission from the non-traveling parent to take the child outside the country.

The consent letter serves as proof that the child is traveling with the consent of both parents or legal guardians, which helps prevent potential disputes or child trafficking issues. It's especially important when a child travels alone, with one parent, or with another adult, as it verifies the child's identity and the accompanying adult's authorization.

Key Requirements for a Consent Letter:

Child's Information: Full name, birthdate, passport number, and contact details

Travel Details: Destination, travel dates, and duration

Parent/Guardian Information: Names, contact details, and signatures

Authorization: Statement granting permission for the child to travel with the specified adult

When is a Consent Letter Needed?

• International travel with one parent or guardian
• Domestic travel with someone other than a parent or guardian
• School trips or sports events
• Traveling with friends or relatives

While not always mandatory, carrying a consent letter can simplify travel and avoid potential issues with immigration authorities.

“When a parent travels alone with their children, immigration authorities require a consent letter from the other parent or legal guardian to prevent issues such as child abduction, trafficking, smuggling or custody disputes.

“This letter ensures that the child is not taken out of the country without the knowledge or consent of the other parent or legal guardian.

“In cases of separated or divorced parents, one parent may not have the legal authority to travel with the child, and the consent letter helps to avoid international custody disputes,” he said.

When a minor travels with just one parent, many countries, including the UK, require a parental consent letter to ensure the child's safety and prevent international child abduction. This document provides written permission from the non-traveling parent, confirming that the child is traveling with their consent.

Key Requirements for a Consent Letter:

Child's Information: Full name, birthdate, passport number, and contact details

Travel Details: Destination, travel dates, and duration

Parent/Guardian Information: Names, contact details, and signatures

Authorization: Statement granting permission for the child to travel with the specified adult

When is a Consent Letter Needed?

• International travel with one parent
• Domestic travel with someone other than a parent or guardian
• School trips or sports events
• Traveling with friends or relatives

It's essential to have a consent letter to avoid any potential issues during travel. The letter should be notarized to confirm its authenticity. Additionally, countries have varying requirements, so it's crucial to check with the embassy of the destination country to determine specific travel requirements.

“The consent letter demanded by the Nigeria Immigration Service at Nigerian international airports is part of global child protection measures.

“The absent parent usually needs to sign a notarized consent letter, which may include details like travel dates, destinations, and a copy of the consenting parent's identification, the Deputy Comptroller added.

He concluded by saying, “the UK's policy on adoptions from Nigeria is specifically related to inter-country adoptions, emphasizing concerns about documentation and the risk of child trafficking in the adoption process.

“These are separate issues, though both involve the safety and legal protection of a child and it is why NIS is calling for bilateral agreement.”