• The UK has implemented a "one-in, one-out" deportation deal with France, detaining its first group of migrants.
• Migrants detained will be held in immigration removal centers before being returned to France.
• The deal aims to deter the increase in irregular Channel crossings and addresses organized crime.
• In exchange, the UK will accept an equal number of asylum seekers from France who meet certain criteria.
• The program is anticipated to run until June 2026 and includes strict measures for eligible migrants.

The UK has detained its first group of migrants under a new bilateral treaty with France intended to address illegal crossings in the English Channel. The detentions, which began on Wednesday, include individuals who arrived in small boats and are currently housed in immigration removal centers, pending their return to France. This treaty marks the onset of a "one-in, one-out" policy, officially enacted this week, according to BBC, India Times, and Le Monde.

Under this agreement, the UK is obliged to refer detained individuals to French authorities within three days, with France receiving 14 days to respond. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted that the initiative sends a critical message to potential migrants: “If you break the law to enter this country, you will face being sent back,” she stated. This deal is part of a broader strategy aimed at dismantling organized crime syndicates that facilitate these crossings, as noted by AA and Le Monde.

In return, the UK will accept a similar number of eligible asylum seekers from France who must pass security and eligibility checks to apply via an online platform. Those approved will be given three months to claim asylum or apply for a visa. The move is seen as an important step in managing migration effectively, but it faces criticism from refugee charities advocating for safer pathways for asylum seekers, according to BBC and AA.

The new treaty comes amid rising tensions within the UK regarding record levels of Channel crossings, with over 25,000 crossings reported this year—marking a significant increase from previous years. This situation has contributed to growing support for hard-right political entities in the UK, which criticize existing immigration policies, as mentioned by India Times and Le Monde.