A migrant who was repatriated to France as part of the new “one-in, one-out” agreement has reentered the UK via a small boat, it was disclosed.
The individual has been apprehended, and reports suggest that the Home Office is in the process of arranging his return to France once again. The asylum seeker, who remains unidentified, explained his return by expressing concerns about his safety in Paris.
Speaking to The Guardian, he stated: “Had I felt secure in France, I would not have come back to the UK.” Recounting his experience, he mentioned being taken to a shelter in Paris where fear for his life prevented him from venturing outside. He described encountering perilous smugglers armed with weapons and knives, revealing a harrowing ordeal in the forests of France before his initial journey to the UK.
According to a recent pact established in July, individuals arriving in the UK via small boats may face detention and repatriation to France, with an equivalent number of legitimate asylum seekers being sent in the opposite direction.
Authorities anticipate that this agreement will deter individuals from resorting to traffickers for illegal entry into the UK, and they aim to increase the rate of repatriations.
A spokesperson from the Home Office emphasized, “We are committed to preventing any abuse of our borders and will take all necessary actions to expel those who lack legal authorization to remain here. Any individuals returned under the pilot scheme who attempt unauthorized reentry will be removed.”
In a separate development, Keir Starmer is engaging with leaders from the West Balkans in London to negotiate agreements on migration and combatting organized crime. Last year, an estimated 22,000 individuals were smuggled by criminal networks through routes in the region.
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 distressing – the British public deserves better.
“Our government is taking decisive action. Over 35,000 individuals who were residing illegally have been detained and removed. Through our landmark agreement with France, arrivals via small boats are being repatriated.
“However, it is evident that we must intensify our efforts – expelling more illegal residents and preventing small boat crossings altogether. I am resolute in my commitment to restoring order to our borders.”
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