A migrant who was repatriated to France as part of the recent “one-in, one-out” arrangement has made his way back to the UK via a small vessel, it has been disclosed.
The individual has been apprehended, and reports indicate that the Home Office is in the process of arranging his return to France once again. The asylum seeker, who remains unidentified, expressed concerns about his safety in Paris as the reason for his return to the UK.
In an interview with The Guardian, he stated, “If I had perceived France as a safe haven, I wouldn’t have returned to the UK.” He recounted being housed in a shelter in Paris, highlighting his fear of venturing outside due to the perceived threats to his life, particularly from dangerous smugglers he encountered in the French forests prior to his initial journey to the UK.
According to a recent agreement established in July, individuals arriving in the UK by small boats can be detained and sent back to France, with an equivalent number of legitimate asylum seekers being repatriated in exchange. The government aims to dissuade individuals from resorting to traffickers by implementing this policy, with plans to increase the rate of repatriations.
A spokesperson from the Home Office emphasized, “We are committed to preventing any exploitation of our borders and will take all necessary actions to remove those not authorized to be in the country. Individuals returned under the pilot scheme who attempt to re-enter the UK unlawfully will be promptly removed.”
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing as Keir Starmer engages with leaders from the West Balkans in London to address issues related to migration and organized crime. It is estimated that approximately 22,000 individuals were smuggled through the region by criminal networks last year.
The influx of migrants arriving in the UK via small boats has surpassed 36,000 in 2025, nearing the total figure of 36,816 arrivals recorded in 2024.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood remarked, “The previous administration left our borders in disarray, and we are still grappling with the repercussions. These statistics are deplorable – the British public deserves better.
“This government is taking decisive action. Over 35,000 individuals residing illegally have been detained and removed. Our groundbreaking agreement with France means that those arriving via small boats are being repatriated.
“However, further steps must be taken swiftly – enhancing the removal of illegal residents and preventing small boat crossings. I am resolute in my commitment to restore order at our borders.”