End of the 'One In, One Out' Channel Crossing Agreement
The controversial agreement between the UK and France, known as the “one in, one out” deal concerning cross-Channel migration, is set to conclude in October, according to reports from French media.
This arrangement allows the UK to forcibly return asylum seekers who arrive via small boats to France, in exchange for legally bringing others from France who have not attempted to cross the Channel to the UK.
Criticism and Concerns Surrounding the Agreement
The deal has faced criticism from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and asylum seekers alike. It has been described as unjust due to its seemingly arbitrary selection process. Additionally, it has been called inhumane because some individuals returned to France have reported threats to their lives from people smugglers operating in northern France.
Migrant advocacy groups have voiced strong opposition to the agreement. Doctors Without Borders has condemned the scheme as
“a cynical bargaining over human lives”. This NGO, which provides support to those sent back to France, has documented cases of acute stress disorder and disorientation among returnees.
Official Statements and Future Plans
A report published by France’s Le Monde cites a source from the French interior ministry stating that the agreement will not be extended beyond October. The report also notes that an action plan announced by the European Commission on 18 June aims to replace this bilateral approach with a more coordinated EU-level response to asylum seekers crossing the Channel to the UK.
The UK Home Office has welcomed the European Union’s Channel action plan, emphasizing that it outlines a more unified approach across the EU to address Channel crossings.
Statistics on Removals and Arrivals
According to the Home Office, from September of the previous year, when removals under the agreement began, until 9 June, a total of 921 asylum seekers were returned to France, while 896 were legally brought to the UK. Between 15 and 22 June alone, 1,939 asylum seekers arrived in the UK via small boats.
A Home Office spokesperson stated:
“The government’s agreement with France has been [effective]. This will ensure we will continue to remove migrants who arrive on small boats over the summer.”
Effectiveness and Challenges of the Scheme
Critics of the “one in, one out” scheme have expressed skepticism regarding its effectiveness as a deterrent. This contrasts with the hopes of Keir Starmer, who described the deal as “groundbreaking” when he announced it alongside French President Emmanuel Macron during Macron’s state visit to the UK in July of the previous year.
The Telegraph has reported that people smugglers in France are now taking longer routes, extending journeys from France to the UK up to 80 miles—approximately four times the shortest Channel crossing distance.
Experiences of Asylum Seekers Returned to France
Asylum seekers who have been returned to France have told that they receive minimal support upon return. Some have faced deportation to countries such as Syria. Others have attempted to return to the UK a second time, using lorries or small boats. This has led to a recent adjustment in the policy, allowing France to accept back some asylum seekers who have re-entered the UK after being returned.
