Are British immigration officers permitted to require evidence of a relationship between passengers and their children?

Sometimes we hear stories where passengers who accompany a child are questioned when the relationship between the child and the passenger is not immediately clear. The questions seem intrusive and appear to be unreasonable, and in some cases an IO may insist upon seeing supporting documents that establish the relationship between the passenger and the child.

As an example from a personal standpoint, my wife retains her maiden name on her UK passport, but she may travel with my son who uses my family name. This is a situation where the relationship is not immediately clear. What can they expect when they travel to a UK (or EEA) destination? Should they bring my son's birth certificate as a supporting document?

This question has established that the term 'birth certificate' is absent from any relevant legislation. And yet the question describes an incident where an IO wanted to inspect a birth certificate. Was the IO acting unlawfully? Could a different document be substituted and accomplish the same purpose?

Also the referenced question is about UK citizens arriving in the UK. If the traveller and child are Canadian does it make any difference?

Question: Is there a legal foundation for the IO's behaviour? If so, what is it and what should passengers be aware of?

NOTE: the referenced question asked a highly specific question about whether or not an individual is required to present a birth certificate in certain occasions. This question seeks to know if the IO's line of enquiry is lawful and if so, how arriving passengers can best prepare themselves. What if you don't have a birth certificate to hand?

My personal circumstances are best met by answers directly relevant to travellers arriving in the UK. But authoritative information on EEA members are also highly relevant.

Pictures about "Are British immigration officers permitted to require evidence of a relationship between passengers and their children?"

Are British immigration officers permitted to require evidence of a relationship between passengers and their children? - Woman in Black Hoodie Sitting on Brown Wooden Chair

Are British immigration officers permitted to require evidence of a relationship between passengers and their children? - Man in Black Sweater and Blue Denim Jeans Sitting on Brown Wooden Rocking Chair

Can a British citizen be refused entry to the UK?

Being denied entry to the U.K. can be upsetting for travellers and their loved ones. It helps to know what to expect, and what you can do to make the experience less stressful. If you are denied entry into the U.K., you will be held at the airport until you can be returned to the location from which you departed.

Can British citizen enter UK without passport?

You must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you're from.

Do you need 6 months on your passport to travel to UK from USA?

Passport validity and the "at least six months" rule For certain nationalities, the passport or other travel document must be valid for at least six months beyond the proposed stay in the United States. The six-month requirement does not apply to United Kingdom passports.

Can I travel to the UK with an expired British passport?

Re: Can I travel back to the UK with an expired Passport? No. If your passport has expired, you don't have a passport, just an entitlement to one.

How to face immigration officer in UK Airport | for Students, Dependants, Employees, Visit Visa

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Andrea Piacquadio, cottonbro, cottonbro, cottonbro