First migrant deported to France under 'one in one out' deal

Under the UK–France agreement, the first flight carrying a cross-Channel small boat migrant has landed in Paris. The man, an Indian national, was removed from the UK on Thursday morning on an Air France flight.

The deportation comes after the government faced renewed criticism over the returns deal, following the temporary suspension of another man’s removal on modern slavery grounds. The arrival in France, confirmed by the Home Office, comes less than a month after the two countries agreed to a year-long pilot “one in, one out” scheme aimed at deterring small boat crossings.

“This is the first step in protecting our borders,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. “It sends a clear warning to those attempting to cross in small boats: if you enter the UK unlawfully, we will seek to arrest you.”

The government is also preparing to launch an appeal later this year to reduce the timeframe in which migrants can submit evidence to challenge their removal. According to the Home Office, further deportation flights are scheduled for this week and next. The BBC has reported that another flight may even have departed later today. In the coming days, the first arrivals from France via the new asylum route are also expected to reach the UK.

“The UK will continue to assist those genuinely fleeing persecution,” the Home Office said. “But this must be done through safe, legal, and managed routes – not dangerous crossings.”

Earlier this week, the High Court halted the removal of an Eritrean man who claimed he was a victim of modern slavery just hours before his flight was due to take off. Mahmood vowed to crack down on “vexatious, last-minute claims” of this kind. However, the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that she was “deeply concerned” by the home secretary’s comments. Lyons warned that if the system were being exploited, it could become “a tool for traffickers to manipulate vulnerable victims.”

The “one in, one out” scheme is intended to discourage migrants from attempting the perilous Channel crossing. Under the arrangement, for every migrant the UK returns to France, one person with a legitimate asylum claim in France will be transferred to the UK. Migrants intercepted crossing the Channel could be returned to France within two weeks, provided French authorities agree.

The government hopes the scheme will make people think twice about relying on smugglers, given the risk of swift return. Officials acknowledge, however, that the agreement alone will not dismantle the cross-Channel smuggling trade. Supporters argue that the exchange programme could ease pressure on hotels currently housing asylum seekers, as those arriving under the managed route will already have been identified as needing asylum and will be placed on a clearer path towards settlement and employment.

The man, an Indian national, was removed from the UK on Thursday morning on an Air France flight.

The deportation comes after the government faced renewed criticism over the returns deal, following the temporary suspension of another man’s removal on modern slavery grounds. The arrival in France, confirmed by the Home Office, comes less than a month after the two countries agreed to a year-long pilot “one in, one out” scheme aimed at deterring small boat crossings.

“This is the first step in protecting our borders,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. “It sends a clear warning to those attempting to cross in small boats: if you enter the UK unlawfully, we will seek to arrest you.”

The government is also preparing to launch an appeal later this year to reduce the timeframe in which migrants can submit evidence to challenge their removal. According to the Home Office, further deportation flights are scheduled for this week and next. The BBC has reported that another flight may even have departed later today. In the coming days, the first arrivals from France via the new asylum route are also expected to reach the UK.

“The UK will continue to assist those genuinely fleeing persecution,” the Home Office said. “But this must be done through safe, legal, and managed routes – not dangerous crossings.”

Earlier this week, the High Court halted the removal of an Eritrean man who claimed he was a victim of modern slavery just hours before his flight was due to take off. Mahmood vowed to crack down on “vexatious, last-minute claims” of this kind. However, the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that she was “deeply concerned” by the home secretary’s comments. Lyons warned that if the system were being exploited, it could become “a tool for traffickers to manipulate vulnerable victims.”

The “one in, one out” scheme is intended to discourage migrants from attempting the perilous Channel crossing. Under the arrangement, for every migrant the UK returns to France, one person with a legitimate asylum claim in France will be transferred to the UK. Migrants intercepted crossing the Channel could be returned to France within two weeks, provided French authorities agree.

The government hopes the scheme will make people think twice about relying on smugglers, given the risk of swift return. Officials acknowledge, however, that the agreement alone will not dismantle the cross-Channel smuggling trade. Supporters argue that the exchange programme could ease pressure on hotels currently housing asylum seekers, as those arriving under the managed route will already have been identified as needing asylum and will be placed on a clearer path towards settlement and employment.