UK Continues Deportations Under Expired Asylum Deal
The British Home Office is reportedly continuing to carry out deportations of asylum seekers to France, despite the official conclusion of a reciprocal removal agreement weeks ago. The “one in, one out” initiative, established in July 2025 by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, was designed to discourage small boat crossings by simultaneously returning arrivals to France while granting legal entry to an equal number of individuals from northern France.
Although this policy officially terminated on October 1, the government continues to hold dozens of migrants in detention facilities. Reports indicate that a flight transporting a group of asylum seekers to France took place this past Wednesday, with another departure currently scheduled for November 17. Official sources have confirmed that these operations involve individuals who arrived by boat prior to the program’s conclusion.
The initiative has faced significant scrutiny regarding its effectiveness and humanitarian impact. Between July and September of this year, nearly 30% of scheduled deportation flights were canceled, a sharp increase compared to the first half of 2026. Critics, including the advocacy group Medical Justice, argue that keeping vulnerable individuals in detention for pending removals causes significant psychological distress, particularly as many report histories of abuse and violence at the hands of smugglers.
Furthermore, the policy appears to have had limited success in deterring irregular migration. While small boat crossings have decreased by roughly 40% this year, similar downward trends in irregular migration have been observed across Europe, suggesting external factors are at play. The deterrent effect is further undermined by the fact that several individuals previously sent to France have already managed to return to the UK. Some of these returnees are now having their asylum claims processed within the British system.
The controversy surrounding the scheme extends to the conditions faced by those removed, with many reporting experiences of homelessness or further exploitation after being sent back. Despite the formal end of the agreement, the ongoing detention and removal of migrants associated with the program highlight persistent challenges in managing cross-Channel migration. As of late, small boat crossings continue, with hundreds of people recorded arriving in recent days, illustrating the ongoing complexity of the issue for UK authorities.
Sources: The Guardian World
Aggregated summary. Original: The Guardian World