Strict immigration measures to be implemented in London and Paris
In an effort to combat the rising issue of irregular migration across the English Channel, France and the UK have initiated a novel pilot project. Known as the "one-in, one-out" scheme, this agreement aims to provide a more effective and humane approach to managing migration flows.
The new procedure, launched in August 2025, allows for migrants who cross the English Channel illegally in small boats to be swiftly detained and returned to France if they do not qualify for asylum. Simultaneously, the UK will accept an equal number of migrants from France through a new legal route, prioritising vulnerable nationalities and those with family ties in the UK.
The goal of this initiative is to disrupt the people smuggling networks that have been exploiting desperate migrants by showing that illegal journeys will result in returns to France. By deterring dangerous crossings, the scheme aims to save lives and reduce the number of migrants losing their lives during these perilous journeys.
The pilot project is the result of years of unsuccessful attempts to stop unwanted immigration from the UK by increasing police presence on the northern French coast. This new approach marks a 56% increase in people crossing the English Channel to the UK compared to the same period last year, with the highest number ever recorded being around 21,100 in the first six months of this year.
The success of the pilot project will be closely monitored to assess its effectiveness in addressing irregular migration. The UK Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has not disclosed the number of migrants to be returned to France under the agreement, while France's Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, has reaffirmed France's determination to stop migration flows and prevent tragedies during crossings.
In addition to the migration aspect, the agreement also involves enhanced joint cooperation between France and the UK, including improved French maritime tactics to intercept and stop boats before crossing the Channel. London has provided Paris with millions to enhance coastal surveillance with additional officers and modern technology.
This partnership represents a significant step in managing irregular Channel crossings, with shared responsibility, faster returns, and safer, legal migration routes. The pilot project is set to run until June 2026 and was approved after legal scrutiny involving the EU Commission.
The one-in, one-out scheme, launched by France and the UK in August 2025, involves a new approach to managing migration, where migrants crossing the English Channel illegally are detained and returned to France if they do not qualify for asylum. Concurrently, the UK will accept an equal number of migrants from France through a legal route, prioritizing vulnerable nationalities and those with family ties. This cooperation extends beyond migration, as both countries are also enhancing joint efforts to combat people smuggling networks and improve maritime tactics for intercepting boats.
