First Migrant Sent Back to France Under UK’s “One In, One Out” Deal
The UK has officially sent its first migrant back to France under the new "one in, one out" agreement between the two countries. The man, an Indian national who arrived in the UK by small boat in August, was flown from Heathrow to Paris on Thursday morning. French authorities had reportedly requested an Indian national as they can offer him a voluntary return home with a financial incentive or expel him under existing agreements with India.
This milestone comes after days of failed deportation attempts due to legal challenges, including one involving an Eritrean man who has claimed to be a victim of modern slavery. That case has prompted Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to launch an appeal and call for a review of the UK's modern slavery laws. She said, “This is an important first step to securing our borders,” and warned: “If you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you.”
Critics, including the UK’s anti-slavery commissioner and human rights groups, have pushed back hard. Eleanor Lyons warned that framing late claims as dishonest could “put lives at risk,” while charities supporting detainees say trauma and fear often prevent people from speaking up immediately. Some migrants facing removal this week have already had their deportations cancelled or delayed after legal letters were sent to the Home Office.
Meanwhile, a reciprocal flight from France to the UK with approved asylum seekers is expected soon. The pilot program, which will run until mid-2026, aims to curb dangerous Channel crossings by returning those with weaker claims and admitting those with stronger cases through official routes. So far in 2025, over 31,000 people have made the crossing — the highest recorded at this point in any year.
