UK and France strike deal to return illegal migrants and open new legal route
In a landmark development, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed on a bold new pilot scheme aimed at tackling illegal Channel crossings and people smuggling gangs.
The agreement will allow illegal small boat arrivals in the UK to be returned to France, while at the same time introducing a legal migration route for an equal number of migrants to come to the UK from France – through a fully documented and security-cleared process.
Cracking down on small boats and smugglers
The pilot is part of the UK government’s renewed approach to working with European partners to stop dangerous small boat journeys and dismantle the networks behind them. By returning those who arrive illegally and offering a legal alternative, the government hopes to deter future crossings and save lives.
The deal marks the first time the UK will be able to return illegal migrants directly to France, striking at the core of smuggler operations and sending a strong message that illegal routes are not worth the risk.
What happens next?
The pilot scheme is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Once operational:
Migrants crossing the Channel by small boat may be detained and removed to France.
Anyone returned will be ineligible for the new legal migration route.
Legal applicants in France can submit an Expression of Interest to come to the UK, subject to strict biometric and security checks.
The French government will also boost efforts to intercept small boats and prevent crossings at sea, including changes to their maritime strategy.
A new phase of immigration enforcement
The UK government is also intensifying domestic enforcement. According to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the Home Office has:
Increased illegal working enforcement activity by 51%.
Made over 7,100 arrests from 10,000+ enforcement visits.
Returned more than 30,000 people with no right to remain in the UK since last summer.
Further changes will include new laws targeting illegal working, particularly in the gig economy, and the rollout of mobile biometric kits to allow rapid identity checks by enforcement teams.
What this means for migrants
The new UK-France agreement makes a clear distinction between illegal and legal migration routes. Those arriving via small boats will now face removal and will not be eligible to apply through the legal route.
By contrast, migrants in France who follow the official process, pass biometric screening, and meet security requirements will be considered for legal relocation to the UK under the new route.
Closing remarks
This pilot scheme represents a major shift in UK-France immigration cooperation. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “This is about grip, not gimmicks,” as the UK takes serious steps to protect its borders and crack down on criminal smuggling operations.