The UK government has begun detaining migrants who arrived via small boats as part of the newly activated UK-France returns agreement, marking the first operational phase of a controversial border enforcement initiative.
According to an official Home Office statement, detentions commenced at lunchtime on Tuesday (6 August) for individuals who had crossed the Channel in small boats. The detained migrants are now being held in immigration removal centres and are expected to be returned to France under the terms of the treaty.
The UK has three days to submit referrals to the French authorities, who must respond within 14 days. Migrants held under the agreement will be briefed on the procedure for their removal, and preparations for their return will follow immediately after.
A Home Office spokesperson said:
“This is a vital step forward in our joint mission with France to break the model of dangerous and illegal crossings. Those who come here illegally will not be allowed to stay.”
In a reciprocal measure, the UK has also opened a new legal pathway for migrants in France wishing to enter the UK. From today (7 August), eligible individuals can submit an “expression of interest” to migrate legally to the UK. Applicants must upload identity documents and photographs and will undergo strict security and biometric checks. Only those fully cleared through this process will be permitted to enter the country.
The system forms part of a new ‘one-in, one-out’ pilot scheme, designed to both manage migration flows and deter illegal crossings. The UK government plans to launch a hard-hitting awareness campaign targeting migrants in Northern France and elsewhere, warning them of the dangers of small boat journeys and encouraging them to pursue legal alternatives instead.
Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and Home Office teams are expected to continue operating at full capacity over the coming weeks, identifying and detaining further arrivals under the treaty.
Both UK and French officials will closely monitor the scheme’s early rollout and make adjustments as needed, with an eye towards scaling up the pace and scope of returns in the near future.
The Home Office has not confirmed how many migrants have been detained so far or how many may be returned in the coming days.