UK detains 1st group of migrants under landmark treaty with France

The detentions began on Wednesday for individuals who arrived in the UK by small boats, with the group now being held in immigration removal centers pending their return to France.

The move marks the first implementation of a controversial "one-in, one-out" agreement between London and Paris, which officially came into force this week.

Under the terms of the agreement, the UK will refer detained individuals to French authorities within three days of their arrival. France will then have up to 14 days to respond.

In the meantime, those held will be briefed on the process and prepared for removal.

The UK government said the treaty forms part of a wider strategy to deter illegal crossings and target the organized crime groups facilitating them.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Yesterday, under the terms of this groundbreaking new treaty, the first group of people to cross the Channel were detained after their arrival at Western Jet Foil and will now be held in detention until they can be returned to France."

"That sends a message to every migrant currently thinking of paying organized crime gangs to go to the UK that they will be risking their lives and throwing away their money if they get into a small boat," she added.

The government also confirmed that, as of Thursday, a reciprocal process has opened allowing eligible migrants in France to express interest in legally coming to the UK.

Applicants must upload identity documents and a recent photograph, and successful candidates will be subject to additional biometric checks and security screenings.

Only individuals who pass all requirements and are approved by the UK government will be admitted via the new legal route, the Home Office said.

The UK and French governments have agreed to monitor the implementation of the scheme closely in its early stages and adjust operational processes as needed.

While the new agreement focuses on France, the UK government stressed that immigration enforcement efforts targeting other countries will continue in parallel.

According to the Home Office, more than 35,000 people with no legal right to remain in the UK were returned in the government’s first year – a 28% rise in failed asylum seeker returns compared to the previous year.