A second migrant removed to France under the UK’s “one in, one out” scheme has crossed back into Britain, the Home Office confirmed.
Border officers identified him through biometric checks and detained him immediately. The Home Office said he will return to France soon.
UK-France Deal Aims to Deter Channel Crossings
The “one in, one out” pilot began in September 2025. Under the deal, for every asylum seeker the UK accepts from France, it sends one migrant back. The policy aims to discourage Channel crossings and restore control at the border.
Last month, an Iranian national also re-entered the UK after deportation. Officials deported him again soon after.
Home Office: “Your Journey Will Be Wasted”
A Home Office spokesperson said the system is working as intended.
“Anyone trying to return to the UK after removal under the UK–France agreement is wasting their time and money.
This person was detected by biometrics and detained immediately. His case will be fast-tracked, and he will be returned to France.”
Officials added that the government will continue to strengthen border controls and increase removals of people who enter the country illegally.
Latest Numbers from the Pilot Scheme
Since the start of the programme, 94 migrants have been returned to France, and 57 asylum seekers have arrived in the UK under the reciprocal arrangement.
Despite these returns, crossings remain high. More than 500 migrants crossed the Channel on Saturday and 349 on Sunday, bringing the 2025 total to over 39,000.
Labour Considers Danish-Style Reform
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reviewing reforms inspired by Denmark’s immigration model. Denmark has sharply reduced asylum approvals, and Mahmood wants similar results in the UK.
She has pledged to “do whatever it takes” to tighten border rules and remove people who have no right to stay.
Reactions from Downing Street and Opposition Parties
Downing Street said the rapid detection of the returning migrant shows the new system works.
“This person was detected immediately on arrival. Their journey was wasted — they will be sent back to France,” a spokesperson said.
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson called the situation “a sign of staggering incompetence.” He urged Labour to deliver on promises for stronger return agreements with safe countries.
Meanwhile, Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said that nearly 18,000 migrants had entered the UK since the deal was announced, “with only a handful removed,” arguing that stronger measures – including leaving the European Convention on Human Rights – were needed to stop illegal migration.