A man who was sent from the UK back to France under a landmark “one-in, one-out” migration deal has returned to Britain by crossing the English Channel in a small boat.
The individual, who holds Iranian nationality, first arrived in the UK via small boat on 6 August and was removed to France on 19 September under the bilateral agreement. He then made his way back to the UK on 18 October and has since been detained once again.
According to his account, the man claims to have been subjected to exploitation by smugglers in northern France after his initial removal. He stated he felt unsafe and fearful during his stay in France, attributing his return to the UK to a lack of security abroad.
The UK-France deal under which he was returned was designed to discourage illegal Channel crossings: for each person removed to France from the UK, one migrant is to be accepted in the UK under a legal route who has not previously attempted to enter illegally.
In the statement released by the UK government, the authorities reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing the scheme and stated that those who re-enter illegally would face removal.
This incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the returns arrangement and the ability of France to provide a safe environment for returnees, with some critics pointing to reports of smuggling networks and unsafe conditions in parts of northern France.
As the government continues efforts to curb small-boat crossings, the case highlights the challenges involved in preventing re-entry and ensuring removals lead to a durable solution.
