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The BBC understands that the initial deportation flights of migrants under the United Kingdom’s recently established returns agreement with France are anticipated to commence next week.
This ‘one in, one out’ pilot program was conceived as part of a broader accord announced during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK in July, alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Last month, dozens of migrants were detained in Dover under the auspices of this agreement. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated this week that their return to France is expected “imminently.”
Formal removal directions have reportedly been issued to asylum seekers, stipulating their deportation to France within a five-day timeframe.
Concurrently, the UK has agreed to accept an equivalent number of asylum seekers who have not attempted unauthorized crossings and successfully complete security and eligibility evaluations.
At the plan’s unveiling in early July, Starmer characterized it as “a product of months of grown-up diplomacy” expected to “deliver real results.”
Critics, including figures within the Conservative party, have argued that the policy will be “unworkable and wide open to abuse.”
It is also understood that Members of Parliament will have the opportunity to question Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood regarding the deal during Home Office questions in Parliament on Monday.
As of September 13, 31,027 individuals have crossed the English Channel in small boats in 2025, a rise from 22,440 during the same period in 2024.
Under the new treaty, published on August 4, France has committed to readmitting adults or accompanied children who travel to the UK via small boat, contingent upon the withdrawal or declaration of inadmissibility of any asylum claim.
Both nations have agreed to endeavor towards transfers within three months of small boat arrivals entering the UK.
Former home secretary Yvette Cooper has emphasized that the scheme’s launch constitutes a trial phase.
The government has also released details concerning the application process for individuals seeking to enter the UK from France under the treaty.
Successful applicants will initially be granted a three-month period to reside in the UK, enabling them to “consider how to regularise their stay.”
Applications will be submitted online, with applicants required to provide proof to the Home Office that they are applying from within France.
The UK has committed to covering the transportation expenses for both migrants it sends to France and those it receives in return.
This policy forms part of a broader set of measures introduced by the Labour government to address small boat crossings from France.
In July, it was announced that the assets of 25 individuals, including gang leaders and small boat suppliers, had been frozen, and they were banned from traveling to the UK.
An additional 300 National Crime Agency officers will be deployed to target individuals involved in arranging crossings, and a new Border Security Command body will collaborate closely with the Home Office, police, immigration enforcement, and intelligence agencies.
Furthermore, the UK is providing France with nearly £500 million over three years, as agreed by the previous Conservative government, to fund additional officers on the French coast.
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Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to “smash the gangs” facilitating the smuggling of individuals across the English Channel.
Approximately 500 people are believed to have undertaken the crossing on Tuesday, benefiting from calm weather conditions.
New Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has stated that her ‘top priority’ is to ‘secure’ the UK’s borders.
A refugee from South Sudan residing in Shrewsbury believes nations should proudly display their flags.
The father-of-two expressed his delight at completing the challenge, which generated £9,500 in donations.
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