The United Kingdom has deported its first migrant to France under a new “one-in, one-out” scheme aimed at curbing irregular Channel crossings, both governments confirmed, as London bids to curb highly contentious cross-Channel small boat arrivals.
According to the UK Home Office, a man who arrived in the country by small boat in August was removed on a commercial flight earlier this week. French authorities also confirmed the removal, identifying the individual as an Indian national.
The arrangement, which came into force in August, allows Britain to return small boat arrivals deemed ineligible for asylum, including those who have traveled through a “safe country” before reaching the UK. In exchange, London will accept an equal number of migrants from France through a new legal application route. The pilot scheme is scheduled to run until June 2026.
A UK government statement described the removal as “another major step in dismantling criminal networks” that profit from Channel crossings. Officials added that further deportation flights are expected in the coming weeks, with the first arrivals from France under the new legal pathway anticipated shortly.
Channel crossings have become a central political issue in the UK, with tens of thousands of migrants landing on the English coast in recent years. At least 23 people have died so far in 2025 attempting the journey, according to French data.
The policy has already faced legal challenges. Earlier this week, the High Court in London temporarily blocked the deportation of an Eritrean migrant, a decision that drew criticism from the government. Meanwhile, charities reported that more than 90 migrants who recently arrived on small boats have been detained for potential return to France.
The scheme was agreed in July as part of wider efforts between London and Paris to manage migration across the Channel, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Final Thought
The first deportation marks a new phase in UK–France cooperation on migration, but its effectiveness and long-term impact on Channel crossings will only become clear over time. As further deportation flights are planned, the scheme’s success will depend on whether it can genuinely deter dangerous crossings while offering a workable legal pathway.
