London, September 19(HS):
The UK has initiated the controversial new “one in, one out” migrant return scheme with France by deporting the first individual, an Indian national, who arrived in the UK illegally via a small boat crossing of the English Channel. The deportation took place on Thursday morning via an Air France flight to Paris, marking a significant step in the UK government’s efforts to curb dangerous cross-Channel migration.
The pilot agreement, activated in August and valid until June 2026, enables the UK to detain and swiftly return migrants deemed ineligible for asylum who have arrived illegally. For every person returned to France, a migrant with a legitimate asylum claim residing in France will be allowed into the UK, creating a balance between returns and legal admissions. This reciprocal arrangement aims to dissuade migrants from risking hazardous small boat crossings by increasing the likelihood of swift return to the continent.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the deportation as a “vital first move” to strengthen border security and underscored the government’s intention to combat last-minute legal challenges designed to delay removals. The Home Office indicated several more deportation flights are planned in the coming weeks, though legal hurdles persist, as evidenced in recent High Court rulings allowing temporary injunctions in some cases involving modern slavery claims.
The new deal comes amid mounting political pressure over rising Channel crossings, with over 5,500 migrants arriving since early August—more than 30,000 so far this year. The UK government promotes this policy alongside newly established legal asylum pathways from France, emphasizing safe and managed entry rather than perilous maritime attempts.
Critics, including refugee charities and the UK’s independent anti-slavery commissioner, have voiced concern that strong rhetoric from officials could inadvertently harm trafficking victims and undermine legitimate claims. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Mahmood remain committed to scaling up the scheme to restore order amid ongoing migration challenges.
This initiative replaces the previous government’s Rwanda deportation plan and represents a key part of the UK’s broader strategy to dismantle smuggling networks profiting from migrants’ desperate journeys while prioritizing legal routes for protection seekers.
The next phase includes arrivals of vetted asylum seekers from France to the UK and continued efforts to accelerate asylum processing and reduce migrant detention times in the UK.
—————
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
