Undocumented children in the Amsterdam region: an analysis of health, school, and living circumstances

Undocumented migrants are people who do not have a valid residence permit. There are only estimates about how many undocumented migrants are living in the European Union; the number of children among them is unclear. Studies about undocumented children are scarce and little is known about their living situation and their access to health care. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the number of undocumented children in the population of visitors of our primary care clinic for undocumented patients. Moreover, we explored whether these children’s rights with respect to health care, education, and living circumstances were met. All undocumented adult patients visiting the clinic between September 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 received a questionnaire. In total, 267 undocumented adults responded; 30% of them had children, and 15% had one or more undocumented children living in the Netherlands. Eleven percent of those undocumented children did not attend school, 17% was not vaccinated, 83% did not have a general practitioner, and 30% did not have a permanent place of residence. Conclusion: There are probably a considerable number of undocumented children in the Netherlands; our study estimated a percentage of 17% of the undocumented population. Not all their basic human rights are met; more awareness among people involved with child and health policies is needed.What is Known:• There are only estimates of the number of undocumented migrants in the European Union, the number of children among them is not clear.• Studies about undocumented children are scarce and little is known about their living circumstances and access to health care.What is New:• A substantial number of undocumented children do not go to school, are not vaccinated, and do not have a general practitioner.• The hidden group of undocumented children, whose basic human rights are not met, need special attention when they or their caregivers present at a health care facility.

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