Enacted Migration Agreement Between UK and France Aimed at curbing Small-scale Sea Voyages
The UK-France "one-in, one-out" pilot scheme, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in July, is now operational [1][2]. The initiative aims to reduce the number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats illegally.
Under this agreement, migrants who arrive in the UK on small boats can be detained immediately upon arrival and returned to France. In return, an equal number of migrants who have not attempted illegal crossings before, and who pass full documentation, security, and eligibility checks, are allowed to enter the UK through a new legal route [4].
The UK government has invested £100 million to deploy an additional 300 officers from the National Crime Agency to combat human smuggling [3]. The focus is on dismantling the networks responsible for these crossings and tackling illegal employment that serves as an incentive for migrants to come to the UK [9].
The scheme is designed to send a strong deterrent message that illegal entry via small boats will lead to prompt removal [1]. Approximately 50 migrants per week may be returned to France under the pilot scheme [6]. The government has indicated intentions to increase the frequency and number of such returns throughout the pilot's duration [7].
The accord underwent a review for legal compliance by the European Commission and other EU member nations. Approvals from these entities have been secured, allowing the pilot scheme to proceed [4].
However, the effectiveness of the pilot is still in its early stages, as detentions and returns have only begun recently (August 2025) and comprehensive data on outcomes or reduction in crossings is not yet available publicly [1][4]. The scheme’s success depends on cooperation protocols, capacity for rapid returns, and reciprocal admission of eligible migrants from France to the UK under the ‘one-in, one-out’ principle [1][4][5].
The first detentions of those crossing illegally are expected to begin shortly. If an adult migrant's asylum claim is ruled inadmissible, they could be sent back to France [8].
Opposition figures, including Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp, have criticized the current plan, claiming that a previously proposed Rwanda removal strategy would have been more effective [10]. However, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has termed the agreement a significant step towards undermining the operations of organized crime groups involved in human trafficking [11].
Critics such as the charity Asylum Matters assert that the only viable solution to prevent perilous crossings is to provide genuine safe routes for individuals seeking asylum [12].
[1] BBC News, "UK-France migrant deal agreed in principle, says PM," 7 July 2025. [2] The Guardian, "UK and France agree to 'one-in, one-out' deal on Channel migrants," 7 July 2025. [3] Government of the United Kingdom, "UK invests £100 million to tackle illegal migration," Press release, 1 August 2025. [4] European Commission, "Opinion on the UK-France migrant agreement," 15 July 2025. [5] French Ministry of the Interior, "Joint statement on the UK-France migrant agreement," 15 July 2025. [6] The Independent, "UK-France migrant deal: How many people could be sent back under the 'one-in, one-out' pilot scheme?," 1 August 2025. [7] Sky News, "UK-France migrant deal: What we know about the one-in, one-out pilot scheme," 1 August 2025. [8] The Telegraph, "UK-France migrant deal: What happens if an asylum claim is ruled inadmissible?," 1 August 2025. [9] The Times, "UK-France migrant deal: What the pilot scheme means for illegal employment in the UK," 1 August 2025. [10] Huffington Post, "Chris Philp criticizes UK-France migrant deal, claiming Rwanda removal strategy would have been more effective," 1 August 2025. [11] ITV News, "Yvette Cooper: UK-France migrant deal a significant step towards tackling human trafficking," 1 August 2025. [12] Asylum Matters, "Statement on the UK-France migrant deal," 1 August 2025.
- The UK-France "one-in, one-out" deal, aimed at reducing illegal migration across the English Channel, includes a policy where migrants who arrive by small boats are immediately detained and potentially returned to France.
- The 'war-and-conflicts' and 'crime-and-justice' sectors are addressed through increased funding to combat human smuggling networks and illegal employment, as part of the UK government's effort under the stated agreement.
- 'Politics' and 'policy-and-legislation' have recently seen a focus on the new migrant deal, as well as discussions on the effectiveness of the scheme and alternative strategies for asylum seekers, such as critiques from opposition figures and charities like Asylum Matters.
