The UK and France have agreed to extend their ‘one-in, one-out’ migrant returns agreement until October 1, 2026. This extension, part of Operation Hillmore, aims to manage illegal migration across the English Channel by allowing the UK to return certain migrants to France while accepting an equivalent number of asylum seekers from France.
As of May 1, 606 migrants have been readmitted to France under this scheme, while 588 have been transferred to the UK. However, only 3.5% of recent arrivals have been returned, raising questions about the effectiveness of the policy in deterring people-smuggling operations.
The extension comes as the UK government faces increasing pressure to address rising migrant numbers, with over 41,000 arrivals recorded in 2025 alone. The Immigration and Asylum Bill aims to expedite the removal of individuals from safe countries, reflecting a broader strategy to tighten immigration controls.
This ongoing agreement highlights the complexities of international cooperation on migration and the challenges faced by both governments in balancing humanitarian responsibilities with domestic political pressures. As the situation evolves, the implications for future migration policies and bilateral relations remain significant.
Source: Euronews
