The UK and France’s controversial “one in, one out” migration agreement is expected to end in October, according to reports from French media. The deal was introduced to manage the growing number of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel in small boats.
Under the agreement, migrants who arrive in the UK by small boat can be returned to France. In exchange, the UK accepts other asylum seekers from France through legal routes. The policy was designed to discourage dangerous Channel crossings and encourage safer migration pathways.
However, the scheme has faced strong criticism from migrant rights groups, charities, and asylum seekers. Many argue that the selection process is unfair because it appears random. Others say the policy is inhumane because some migrants returned to France claim they faced threats from people smugglers operating in northern France.
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders has been one of the strongest critics of the agreement. The organization described the policy as a form of bargaining with human lives. It has also reported that some returned migrants suffered from severe stress, confusion, and emotional trauma after being sent back to France.
According to a report by French newspaper Le Monde, a source within France’s Interior Ministry said the agreement is unlikely to continue beyond October. The report suggests that a new action plan announced by the European Commission on June 18 could replace the current bilateral arrangement between the UK and France.
The UK Home Office has welcomed the European Union’s Channel action plan, saying it offers a more coordinated approach to tackling irregular migration across Europe. Government figures show that between September last year and June 9 this year, 921 asylum seekers were returned to France, while 896 migrants were allowed to enter the UK through legal channels under the agreement.
Despite the deal, small boat crossings have continued at high levels. Official figures show that 1,939 migrants arrived in the UK by small boat between June 15 and June 22 alone. Critics argue that these numbers suggest the policy has not acted as the strong deterrent that Prime Minister Keir Starmer hoped for when he announced the agreement alongside French President Emmanuel Macron last year.
Reports have also suggested that people smugglers have adapted their methods. Some are reportedly taking longer routes across the Channel, increasing journeys by up to 80 miles. Meanwhile, several migrants returned to France have claimed they received little support there, with some fearing deportation to countries such as Syria. Others reportedly returned to the UK again by lorry or small boat, leading authorities to adjust the policy to allow France to accept back some repeat arrivals.