UK scrubs ‘one in, one out’ migrant scheme with France

Wed Sep 30 2026 18:36:25 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

UK government has scrapped its ‘one in, one out’ small boat migrant exchange with France after barely 1,500 deportations.

The UK Home Office ended its pilot agreement with France that would have sent some small‑boat migrants back for a corresponding number of arrivals from France. Only around 1,500 people were removed in the first year, far below the 45,000‑plus small‑boat arrivals each year. Officials say the scheme failed to scale and will not continue, but authorities vow to accelerate other removal flights. The French Interior Ministry stated they are discussing exit terms with the UK. The cancellation highlights the challenges of balancing border control with humanitarian commitments.

UK scrubs ‘one in, one out’ migrant scheme with France

In a move that underscores the complexities of cross‑channel migration, the UK Government announced that it will no longer pursue its ‘one in, one out’ pilot with France. The agreement, designed to return small‑boat arrivals to France in exchange for an equal number of French nationals with refugee or skill claims, was struck down after barely 1,500 exchanges in a little more than a year.

Officials said the programme did not achieve the scale needed to shift the overall trend of nearly 45,000 small‑boat crossings each year. While the Home Office remains committed to removing those without legal status, it will redirect resources to other removal flights and to working with French authorities on larger‑scale prevention.

French Interior Minister G. Vallet acknowledged the discussions are ongoing and reflected on how the partnership could evolve. The decision comes amid criticism that the pilot may have incentivised migrants to take risks in the hope of entry under the brief scheme.

Despite the pause, the UK will keep tightening controls and cooperation on the Channel crossing, noting a significant drop in arrivals this year—down 42% from the same period in 2025.