Initial migrants detained under a joint agreement between the UK and France for their return to France
The U.K. government has initiated a new "one-in, one-out" deal with France, aimed at reducing irregular Channel crossings by migrants. This pilot treaty, ratified in early August 2025, targets small boat arrivals and aims to dismantle criminal smuggling networks [1][4].
Under this scheme, any migrant who arrives illegally on a small boat in the U.K. can be detained immediately and returned to France if deemed ineligible for asylum, especially if they passed through a safe country to reach the U.K. [1][2][4] In exchange, the U.K. will allow an equal number of migrants from France to enter legally through a new online visa application platform, prioritising vulnerable nationalities and those with ties to Britain. Approved migrants will have a three-month window to enter and apply for asylum in the U.K. [1][2][4]
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the detentions as an "important step" in securing the borders [3]. The detained individuals are expected to be removed to France in the coming weeks. It's worth noting that unaccompanied minors are not eligible for deportation under the scheme.
The deal is a response to the record levels of irregular Channel crossings this year, with the number of migrants making the dangerous journey reaching 25,000 at the end of July, the highest tally ever at this point in the year [5]. The U.K. will cover all costs related to the return of migrants until they are handed over, according to the treaty.
Applicants for the U.K. program must provide passports or other identity documents, a recent photograph, and pass further security checks and biometric controls [4]. The Interior minister, Yvette Cooper, stated that the detentions aim to undermine the business model of criminal gangs along the border [3].
However, the move has sparked controversy, with refugee charities urging the British government to provide more safe and legal routes for asylum seekers instead. In recent weeks, anti-immigration demonstrations and counter-protests have occurred outside hotels housing asylum seekers in Britain, with some marches turning violent [5].
The pilot scheme, set to run until June 2026, has received backing from the EU Commission and other European partners as an innovative approach to illegal migration [1][4]. The goal is to reduce dangerous crossings and maintain a managed legal migration route, sending a government message that illegal crossings will not be tolerated and aiming to change the dynamics of Channel migration significantly [1][4].
- The new policy-and-legislation, which includes the "one-in, one-out" deal, significantly impacts politics and general-news, as it addresses the controversial issue of illegal immigration and crime-and-justice, particularly in the context of migrant crossings from France to the U.K.
- As part of the new policy, a focus on security checks and biometric controls has been implemented, illustrating the U.K. government's commitment to crime-and-justice and policy-and-legislation, aiming to disrupt the business model of criminal gangs along the border and ensure safe, legal migration.
