In a notable move, the United Kingdom has successfully transferred its first migrant back to France under a new return agreement established between the French and British governments in July. Media outlets, including the BBC and The Telegraph, have reported the individual as an Indian national. While the French Interior Ministry confirmed the reception of one migrant on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, they refrained from disclosing citizenship specifics.
The landmark deal, which aims to address the influx of migrants arriving in the UK via ‘small boats’ from France across the English Channel, was unveiled during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK. The agreement stipulates a ‘one-in one-out’ arrangement: for every migrant sent back to France, the UK will accept a vetted migrant from France, prioritizing those with existing ties to Britain.
An official statement from the UK Home Office confirmed the deportation: "A man who arrived in the UK by small boat in August was removed on a commercial flight this morning, marking another major step in the government’s action to dismantle the criminal networks profiting from human misery." The statement, however, did not specify the individual’s nationality. Further deportation flights are anticipated in the coming weeks.
The UK government has largely framed its assertive stance against illegal migration as a concerted effort to dismantle human smuggling operations. In August, it bolstered funding for Border Security with an additional £100 million to disrupt these illicit networks. However, as seen in the accompanying image, the challenge remains significant, with inflatable dinghies and outboard motors — tools of illegal Channel crossings — regularly impounded and stored in facilities like this Home Office compound in Dover.
Operating on a trial basis until July 2026, the new deal has already encountered legal hurdles. Several migrants slated for earlier deportation flights were successful in blocking their removal through legal challenges.
A notable instance involved a 25-year-old Eritrean man whose lawyers secured a High Court injunction in London. This allowed them more time to present evidence suggesting he might be a victim of modern slavery, thereby preventing his return to France.
Newly appointed UK Home Minister Shabana Mahmoud voiced her determination, stating, "I will continue to challenge any last-minute, vexatious attempts to frustrate a removal in the courts." Meanwhile, the Home Office has also initiated a review of the country’s modern slavery legislation. Ms. Mahmoud’s remarks drew criticism from Eleanor Lyons, the independent anti-slavery commissioner, who deemed them "deeply concerning."
Minister Mahmoud reiterated the government’s position: "The U.K. will always play its part in helping those genuinely fleeing persecution, but this must be done through safe, legal, and managed routes – not dangerous crossings."