Under the new “One-in, One-out” agreement between the United Kingdom and France, several migrants who entered the UK via small boats have been sent back to French territory. The deal, which came into force on August 6, 2025, allows the UK to return irregular migrants to France in exchange for accepting an equal number of asylum seekers approved for transfer from France to Britain.
According to the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII), at least four migrants have already been sent back to France since mid-September — including nationals from India, Eritrea, and Iran. The first deportation took place on September 18, followed by three others in the following days.
In return, the UK received a family of three, including a small child, from France under the same exchange mechanism.
What Happens to Migrants Returned to France?
1. Temporary Emergency Support
Upon arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, deported migrants are received by SOS Solidarité, an association that offers three days of emergency accommodation. During this time, migrants receive basic needs assistance, including medical and psychological check-ups, clothing, internet access, and SIM cards to contact their families.
2. Transfer to Transit Centers
After the emergency period, migrants are moved to CAES (Reception and Examination Centers), where their administrative and asylum situations are assessed. These centers help migrants understand their rights and explore legal options for stay or return.
3. Voluntary Return or Asylum
According to Didier Leschi, Director of OFII, migrants are first encouraged to accept voluntary return assistance, which offers financial support and a return flight to their home country.
Those who meet the eligibility criteria may apply for asylum in France. However, under the EU Dublin Regulation, migrants who first entered another EU country may not qualify to file a new asylum claim in France.
4. Deportation Orders (OQTF)
Migrants who refuse voluntary return and do not qualify for asylum may receive an OQTF (Obligation de Quitter le Territoire Français), giving them 30 days to leave France voluntarily before facing detention or forced deportation.
Legal Challenges and Unclear Criteria
The selection criteria for who gets deported to France remain unclear. The UK Home Office stated that anyone who crossed the Channel illegally or whose asylum claim was deemed inadmissible could be returned under the new deal.
However, several deportations have already been challenged in British courts, and France is also reviewing cases before accepting readmissions.
Each week, the UK reportedly sends about 50 proposed cases to French authorities for approval. The main evaluation factor is whether the individual poses any security risk, according to French officials.
Context: Stricter EU Migration Policies
This bilateral policy comes as Europe tightens its migration controls. The European Union is currently revising its Return Directive to speed up deportations and expand return agreements with third countries.
Countries such as Germany, Austria, and Italy have also announced plans to resume deportations to Afghanistan and Syria, despite ongoing instability in both nations.
Conclusion
The “One-in, One-out” deal marks a new phase in UK-France migration cooperation, aiming to deter irregular Channel crossings while balancing asylum transfers between both nations. However, the system faces legal, humanitarian, and operational challenges, with rights groups urging both governments to ensure fair treatment for all migrants involved.