The controversial 'one in, one out' agreement on Channel crossings between the UK and France is set to end in October, according to French media reports. Under the deal, asylum seekers arriving in the UK via small boats could be forcibly returned to France, while others in France who had not attempted the crossing were brought to the UK legally.
The agreement has faced criticism from NGOs and asylum seekers, who describe it as unjust and inhumane. Doctors Without Borders condemned it as 'a cynical bargaining over human lives,' reporting cases of acute stress disorder among those returned to France. Some returnees have claimed their lives were threatened by people smugglers in northern France.
Le Monde cited a French interior ministry source stating the deal will not be extended beyond October, with a European Commission action plan announced on 18 June set to replace the bilateral approach. The Home Office welcomed the EU plan, describing it as a more coordinated EU-level response.
Between September and 9 June, 921 asylum seekers were returned to France and 896 were brought to the UK legally. However, in the week of 15-22 June alone, 1,939 migrants arrived on small boats, a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. Critics doubt the scheme has acted as a deterrent, with people smugglers now making detours of up to 80 miles.
A Home Office spokesperson said the agreement has been extended until the autumn, ensuring continued removals over the summer. However, some asylum seekers returned to France have reportedly received little support, with threats of deportation to Syria, and others have returned to the UK via lorries or small boats, prompting a policy amendment this month.
