First migrant deportation flights to France begin under new returns deal
One in, one out flights to France to begin ‘imminently’
- The first deportation flights of migrants from the UK to France under a recently agreed returns deal are anticipated to begin “imminently”.
- The 'one in, one out' pilot scheme, which saw its first detentions on 6 August, involves the UK sending migrants who crossed the Channel back to France in exchange for accepting migrants via legal routes.
- Formal removal directions have already been issued to asylum seekers who arrived in the UK via small boats in August, informing them of their impending deportation.
- Around 50 people a week are initially expected to be deported, with the Home Office anticipating this number to grow as the pilot scheme progresses.
- A Home Office spokesperson said: “Under the new UK-France treaty, people crossing in small boats can now be detained and removed to France. We expect the first returns to take place imminently.”