Migrant homecoming agreement to commence shortly
The UK government has announced a new migrant returns deal with France, marking a significant step in addressing the rising issue of small boat crossings. The deal, which is set to commence within days, is part of a "one-in, one-out" pilot scheme that will last for 10 months, from August 6, 2025, until June 2026 [1][2][3].
Under this arrangement, adult migrants whose asylum claims are deemed inadmissible by UK procedures, arriving after August 6, 2025, can be detained upon arrival in the UK and returned to France [1][4]. The aim is to undermine the business model of the organized crime gangs behind the Channel crossings [5].
To ensure the scheme's effectiveness, civil servants will conduct strict security and eligibility checks on the identities of applicants [6]. The National Crime Agency (NCA) will deploy 300 extra officers and improved detection technology to enhance border security [7].
In addition, migrants who wish to arrive in the UK legally can now submit applications online, marking a "new legal route" [8]. The UK government will prioritize asylum seekers from France entering through designated processes online, focusing on those most vulnerable or with UK links [2].
However, the scheme is likely to face opposition from critics and human rights groups, and may encounter legal challenges during the initial trial phase. Home Office officials are prepared to robustly defend the scheme against these challenges [9].
The deal is not related to the previous government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing [10]. The UK has received approval for the migrant returns scheme from EU countries, with Labour ministers believing it can act as a deterrent to migrants attempting to cross the Channel in small boats [2][3].
The deal is seen as a potential deterrent to migrants, but its deterrent effect may be limited initially, as many migrants may still risk crossing if returns are uncertain [1][3]. The long-term sustainability and expansion of such arrangements may depend on the pilot outcomes and additional agreements, potentially including wider EU cooperation [3][4].
The deal comes amidst increasing public and political pressure in the UK about rising small boat crossings, which have fueled support for hard-right parties. Anti-migration protests have spread into upmarket London areas, including Islington [11]. Reducing immigration is also becoming a more important voter issue, according to the latest City AM/Freshwater Strategy poll [12].
References:
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62457528
- https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jul/25/uk-france-migrant-returns-deal-to-be-signed-in-paris
- https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-france-migrant-returns-deal-to-start-august-2023-07-25/
- https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-france-migrant-returns-deal-to-be-unveiled-this-week-8q2w6gj85
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-uk-france-deal-to-tackle-illegal-migration
- https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-france-migrant-returns-deal-to-be-unveiled-this-week-8q2w6gj85
- https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-france-migrant-returns-deal-to-be-unveiled-this-week-8q2w6gj85
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-legal-route-for-asylum-seekers-from-france
- https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-france-migrant-returns-deal-to-be-unveiled-this-week-8q2w6gj85
- https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-france-migrant-returns-deal-to-be-unveiled-this-week-8q2w6gj85
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/anti-migrant-protests-spread-into-upmarket-london-areas-including-islington-b947872.html
- https://www.cityam.com/500000-britons-say-reducing-immigration-is-a-top-priority-in-the-next-election-poll-shows/
Technology will play a critical role in enhancing border security under the new migrant returns deal with France, as the National Crime Agency (NCA) will deploy 300 extra officers and improved detection technology to identify and prevent illegal crossings. Additionally, policy-and-legislation regarding asylum seekers will be subject to stricter eligibility checks, which will be facilitated by technological advancements and digital processes, such as the new online application system for legal arrivals.
