First Indian Migrant Deported Under New UK-France Treaty: What It Means for Asylum Seekers
London: An Indian citizen who allegedly entered the UK unlawfully via a small boat across the English Channel has become the first individual to be sent back to France under a newly established treaty.
The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly arrived in the UK in early August and was deported to Paris on a commercial flight from Heathrow Airport as part of the recently implemented 'one-in, one-out' agreement between the UK and France.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described this event as a significant milestone in the government's efforts to tackle the rising tide of illegal immigration facilitated by human traffickers across the Channel.
"This marks a crucial first step in securing our borders. It sends a clear message to those attempting to cross in small boats: if you enter the UK unlawfully, we will work to remove you," Mahmood stated.
"I will actively oppose any last-minute legal attempts to obstruct a removal. The UK will always assist those genuinely fleeing persecution, but this must occur through safe, legal, and regulated pathways, not perilous crossings," she added.
According to sources from the Home Office, the deported individual is expected to be offered a paid voluntary return to India upon arrival in France. He will not be eligible to apply for asylum and may face enforced deportation if he declines the voluntary option.
This development follows the release of official Home Office statistics in August, which indicated that the number of Indian nationals in detention as part of the UK's broader crackdown on illegal immigration has surged by 108% over the past year, with 2,715 Indians recorded as being detained for breaching immigration laws.
The man deported on Thursday is among the initial group of migrants detained by the UK Border Force under the new treaty, which began as a pilot program in August and is set to run until June 2026.
While additional deportations are scheduled in the coming days, the first group of migrants arriving from France through the new asylum route is anticipated shortly, according to the Home Office.
This new initiative allows UK authorities to detain and remove individuals who enter the country illegally via small boats, effectively blocking their access to the asylum system in an effort to alleviate the strain on hotel accommodations.
In exchange, the UK will accept an equal number of migrants through a newly created safe and legal route, contingent upon what the Home Office describes as 'rigorous documentation, eligibility, and security checks.'
"The Home Secretary has emphasized that the Home Office will vigorously defend against legal challenges to removals. Today, we will file an appeal with the Court of Appeal to limit the time allowed for individuals to present evidence for reconsideration," the Home Office stated.
It claims that over 35,000 individuals without legal rights to remain in the UK have been returned in the past year, with returns of foreign criminals and asylum-related returns increasing by 14% and 28%, respectively.