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A new “one-in, one-out” agreement between the UK and France is set to go into force on Wednesday, allowing Britain to return some migrants who cross the Channel illegally.
The UK government announced it is “operationally ready” to begin detaining migrants within days as part of the new pilot scheme.
Under the deal, which will run until June 2026, irregular migrants arriving in the UK can be sent back to France if they are ineligible for asylum.
In exchange, the UK will accept an equal number of migrants from France who can apply for a visa to enter Britain.
This measure is a key part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s effort to address the record number of Channel crossings and fulfil a major campaign pledge.
The agreement specifies that the UK must request a migrant’s return to France within 14 days of their arrival, and the whole process could take up to three months.
The UK will cover all costs, and the deal does not apply to unaccompanied minors.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau confirmed the accord’s start, reiterating France’s “determination to stop the flow and save lives.”
However, refugee charities have criticised the deal, arguing that safer and legal routes are needed for asylum seekers.
The deal has also drawn criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with hard-right parties in the UK saying it doesn’t go far enough and some French officials calling it too favourable to Britain.
In a related move, the UK government also pledged £100 million to combat people-smuggling gangs and announced a new law to criminalise promoting dangerous immigration routes on social media.
People found guilty of advertising such crossings could face fines and up to five years in prison.
