First migrant transfers between France and the UK to begin next week

Sunday 14 September 2025 - 08:15

By: Sahili Aya

First migrant transfers between France and the UK to begin next week

The first returns of migrants between France and the United Kingdom, under the bilateral migration agreement reached in July, are set to begin next week, French authorities confirmed on Saturday.

The arrangement is based on the “one-for-one” principle, meaning that for every migrant transferred from the UK to France, one will be sent from France to the UK. According to officials, the initial flights carrying migrants from Britain to France are scheduled for early next week, while the first transfers from France to the UK will take place on Saturday.

The agreement, which came after months of negotiations, aims to address irregular crossings in the English Channel, where thousands of migrants attempt to reach British shores each year in small boats. Both governments hope the measure will deter dangerous journeys and strengthen cooperation on border management.

Human rights organizations, however, have voiced concerns, warning that bilateral transfers may fail to address the root causes of migration and could put vulnerable people at greater risk. Authorities in both countries maintain that the scheme complies with international obligations on asylum and human rights.