UK-France 'one in, one out' migrant scheme scrapped

The UK-France "one in, one out" migrant scheme has been scrapped after approximately 1,500 people were removed to France since its inception over a year ago. Between January and September 2026, 19,135 people crossed the English Channel by small boat from France, a 42% decrease from the previous year. These crossings are the most common method of illegal entry into the UK since 2020, with nearly all arrivals claiming asylum. In the latest figures, people from Eritrea constituted 18% of arrivals, and over 2,300 were identified as potential victims of modern slavery. Other methods of illegal entry, such as hiding in vehicles, also saw a 17% decrease.

Britain's government announced on Wednesday that a pilot program with France aimed at reducing migrant crossings of the English Channel has been scrapped. The Home Office stated that the "one in, one out" deal is no longer processing new cases. This initiative allowed for the detention and return of individuals arriving in the UK via small boats across the Channel. In exchange, an equivalent number of asylum seekers would be sent back to France. The article does not specify the exact date the program began or the reasons for its termination.