What Is the Deal
In July 2025, the United Kingdom and France struck a new agreement aimed at curbing unauthorized migrant crossings of the English Channel. Dubbed the “one-in, one-out” scheme, it allows the UK to return migrants who arrive via small boats (i.e. illegally) to France, while the UK agrees to accept an equal number of asylum seekers from France who have family ties in the UK and meet security and eligibility checks.
The First Deportation
On 18 September 2025, the UK government removed the first migrant under this new policy. The individual, reportedly from India, had crossed the Channel in August and was flown back to France on a commercial flight. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the removal as “an important first step to securing our borders.”
Legal Challenges & Delays
Before this first deportation, the scheme had been tested by legal challenges. Notably, a High Court ruling temporarily blocked the planned removal of a 25-year-old Eritrean man who claimed he was a victim of modern slavery and trafficking. The court granted him interim relief so he could make his case.
Critics argue that last-minute legal claims (e.g. of modern slavery or trafficking) and injunctions often delay or obstruct deportations. The Home Secretary has publicly criticised what she describes as “vexatious” uses of such claims to prevent removals.
Government Position & Reaction
- UK Government View: Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood say the “one-in, one-out” deal is a more pragmatic and humane alternative to some previous proposals (like the plan to send migrants to Rwanda). They argue it restores fairness to the asylum system and deters dangerous crossings.
- Legal Oversight: Officials have emphasised that claimants retain the ability to raise legal and humanitarian concerns (such as trafficking or risk of harm) before removals. Courts will continue to play a role in assessing such challenges.
- Criticism from Rights Groups: Human rights and anti-slavery organisations say there is a risk that vulnerable people will be returned without adequate support, that claims may be dismissed too quickly, or that the legal process is being squeezed. They are especially concerned about how the “last minute” claims are handled.
What Comes Next
- More removal flights are expected in the coming days and weeks.
- The UK is reviewing its Modern Slavery Act to see if changes are needed to prevent alleged misuse of legal protections that can delay removals.
- The first arrivals to the UK under the reciprocal safe route (from France) are expected soon, as stipulated by the agreement.
Why It Matters
This marks a diplomatic and policy shift in how the UK is approaching migration and asylum. The “one-in, one-out” scheme attempts to balance:
- Border control pressures with legal safeguards for asylum seekers,
- Cooperation with neighbouring France,
- Political demands for stronger action on small-boat migration,
- And the ongoing challenge of ensuring that human rights obligations aren’t compromised.
As the pilot phase proceeds, legal rulings, human rights concerns, and operational execution will all be closely watched.
