Key facts
- The UK and France's "one in, one out" agreement on cross-Channel migration is reportedly set to end in October.
- The deal involved returning asylum seekers arriving in the UK by small boat to France in exchange for legal UK entries.
- French media cited an interior ministry source indicating the agreement would not be extended.
- The European Commission's Channel action plan is expected to replace the bilateral approach.
- The Home Office confirmed the agreement has been extended until the autumn.
The "one in, one out" agreement between the UK and France concerning cross-Channel migration is reportedly set to conclude in October, according to French media reports. This deal allowed for the forced return of asylum seekers arriving in the UK via small boats to France, in exchange for a corresponding number of individuals in France being legally transferred to the UK.
The arrangement has faced significant criticism from NGOs and asylum seekers, who have described it as unjust due to a seemingly arbitrary selection process and inhumane, citing threats from people smugglers in northern France against those returned. Doctors Without Borders has labeled the scheme a "cynical bargaining over human lives" and reported cases of severe psychological distress among individuals sent back to France.
A report in France's Le Monde, citing a French interior ministry source, indicated that the bilateral agreement would not be extended beyond October. It is expected to be replaced by an action plan announced by the European Commission on June 18, which aims for a more coordinated EU-level response to Channel crossings. The UK Home Office has welcomed this EU initiative.
According to Home Office figures, between September and June 9, 921 asylum seekers were returned to France, and 896 were brought to the UK legally. In the week of June 15 to 22, however, 1,939 asylum seekers arrived in the UK on small boats. A Home Office spokesperson confirmed the agreement with France has been extended until the autumn to facilitate migrant removals over the summer.
Critics have questioned the effectiveness of the "one in, one out" scheme as a deterrent, a concept initially promoted by Keir Starmer. Reports suggest that people smugglers are now employing detours, extending journeys from France to the UK to approximately 80 miles. Asylum seekers returned to France have also reported inadequate support and threats of deportation to their home countries, leading to an amendment this month that allows France to accept back some asylum seekers who arrived in the UK via lorry.