First Illegal Migrants Returned to France Under Landmark UK-France Migration Agreement

The UK government has confirmed that the first group of illegal migrants have been returned to France under the new UK-France migration treaty, marking a major milestone in efforts to curb small boat crossings and dismantle human smuggling networks.

The landmark agreement gives Britain greater powers to detain and swiftly remove those who enter the country illegally by sea, effectively blocking access to the UK asylum system for such arrivals.

According to the Home Office, two group flights over the past week carried 19 individuals back to France, following the earlier removal of seven others last month. The second flight arrived in France earlier today before continuing to Eastern Europe as part of the government’s routine deportation schedule.

Officials said more return flights under the pilot phase will take place in the coming days and weeks.

In addition to removals, the UK and France have agreed to operate a strictly controlled legal migration route, allowing an equal number of eligible migrants to enter the UK after undergoing rigorous security screening. Nine individuals were admitted through this route this week.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the initiative sends a powerful message to human traffickers and migrants planning illegal crossings:

“We must put an end to these dangerous crossings which put lives at risk and money in the pockets of criminal gangs. The contrast couldn’t be clearer. The last government’s Rwanda scheme took years, cost hundreds of millions, and removed no one. In just weeks, we’ve returned 26 through our historic deal with France.”

She added that the ongoing flights signal a “new era of enforcement and cooperation” between the UK and France, reinforcing the government’s Plan for Change to secure borders while maintaining humanitarian standards.

The Home Office reported that more than 35,000 people without legal right to stay in the UK have already been returned, with asylum-related removals up 28% year-on-year. The National Crime Agency also intensified its crackdown on people-smuggling networks, achieving over 350 disruptions last year — a 40% increase from the previous year.

Officials say the new treaty represents a comprehensive, balanced approach, combining international collaboration, controlled migration, and tough border enforcement to address the root causes of illegal migration across the Channel.