First Person Deported to French Territory As Part of ‘One In, One Out’ Asylum Agreement, States UK

The very first English Channel asylum seeker has been returned to France under the contentious reciprocal returns treaty, authorities announced.

This follows three days of cancellations of planned flights for individuals seeking refuge and a high court intervention that temporarily halted the scheduled deportation of a 25-year-old Eritrean individual on Tuesday evening. The individual was granted additional time to compile evidence supporting his assertion of being a survivor of trafficking.

The home secretary stated: “This represents an important first step toward securing our borders. It sends a clear signal to those attempting to cross in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will aim to remove you.”

“We will continue to oppose any eleventh-hour, vexatious efforts to frustrate a removal through the legal system. The UK will consistently fulfill its role in supporting those genuinely fleeing oppression, but this must be done through secure, legal, and managed routes – not dangerous crossings.”

Bilateral agreement, which came into force on August 6, allows the UK to detain and rapidly deport people who enter via unofficial vessels. In return, the UK will accept an equivalent number of migrants through a recently created protected and legal channel – following security screening.

Officials added: “Today we will file an appeal to the court of appeal to limit the period the individual has to submit proof for reconsideration.”

Reports indicate that the man deported on Thursday is from India and is believed to have been transported into Paris on an commercial aircraft. It is reported that he had indicated a legal challenge to his removal, but this failed to stop the procedure.

In contrast to countries such as Eritrea, Sudan, and Syria – which have high asylum grant rates – applications by Indians have a far reduced grant rate.

The man is the first of around 100 Channel migrants detained by immigration authorities at the start of last month to have been returned to France.

For the first three days of this seven-day period, everyone due to fly had their travel arrangements cancelled, in numerous instances due to judicial interventions.

As per information, the French asked for an Indian national as it means they will offer him voluntary return to his homeland, where the government pays the air fare and offers a financial incentive of 2,500 euros.

In the event the individual declines assisted repatriation, he will be subject to forced removal from France.

As stated in a information document given to individuals held for France, housing in France will be made available “for the first days of your stay. Options presented to new arrivals include financial assistance if you choose to go back to your country of origin”.