UK Deports First Migrant to France Under New “One-In, One-Out” Deal

Britain has carried out its first deportation to France under a new bilateral migration scheme aimed at curbing illegal Channel crossings, officials from both countries confirmed on Thursday.

According to the UK Home Office, a man who entered Britain by small boat in August was flown back to France on a commercial flight. French authorities, speaking to AFP, said the deportee was an Indian national.

The operation is part of the “one-in, one-out” arrangement sealed in July between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron. The pilot, running until June 2026, allows London to return migrants deemed ineligible for asylum such as those who passed through a “safe country” while taking an equal number of applicants through a new online visa route from France.

Home Office officials described the transfer as “another major step” in dismantling criminal networks profiting from risky Channel journeys. More flights are scheduled in the coming days.

Tens of thousands of people have attempted the 21-mile crossing to southeast England in recent years, fuelling political controversy and strengthening the far-right Reform UK party. At least 23 migrants have died so far this year attempting the trip.

The removal came shortly after Britain’s High Court temporarily halted the deportation of an Eritrean asylum seeker, underscoring the legal battles surrounding the policy. UK charities say more than 90 recent arrivals are currently being held for potential return to France. Paris is expected to begin its own repatriations on Saturday.