UK Begins Migrant Deportation to France Under New Border Deal

The United Kingdom will start returning some migrants to France within days. This marks the launch of a new agreement designed to tackle illegal migration.

British officials confirmed that the treaty will be ratified on Tuesday, August 5, allowing the plan to move forward quickly.

Under this new arrangement, France will take back undocumented migrants who arrive in Britain via small boats.

In return, the UK will accept an equal number of legitimate asylum seekers. These individuals must have close family ties in Britain.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron introduced the “one in, one out” pilot scheme last month. They hope the program will reduce the number of illegal crossings.

So far in 2025, over 25,000 people have arrived in Britain using small boats.

Starmer has repeatedly promised to dismantle the smuggling gangs behind these dangerous journeys.

However, he now faces growing pressure. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has surged ahead in national opinion polls.

In recent weeks, protests erupted across England near hotels housing asylum seekers. Demonstrators included both anti-immigration and pro-immigration groups.

These tensions highlight the divisive nature of the issue.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized that the agreement targets smuggling networks. He called it a “clear objective” to stop the illegal trade.

Meanwhile, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper explained the plan’s rollout. She said returns would start with lower numbers and gradually increase.

Cooper also clarified that only migrants who arrive directly on small boats will face return to France. Those already living in the UK will not be affected.

Though she did not give exact figures, earlier reports suggested about 50 returns per week. This would total around 2,600 annually, which is still far fewer than the 35,000 who arrived last year.

Critics argue that these numbers won’t deter future migrants. Yet Cooper stressed that this deal is only one piece of a broader strategy.

The government also targets smugglers with strict sanctions. It has cracked down on social media ads that promote illegal crossings. In addition, officials are working with delivery companies to stop false job offers often used to lure migrants.

Britain signed the treaty last week but chose not to announce it until now. EU member states and the European Commission have already approved the plan, clearing the way for immediate implementation.

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