A migrant who was removed to France under the government’s new one in, one out returns scheme has crossed back into the UK on a small boat less than a month later.
Reports revealed that the man, believed to be an Iranian national, has claimed he was a victim of modern slavery in France, alleging that smuggling gangs forced him into labour, abused him and threatened his life.
He said, he fled back to the UK out of fear for his safety.
According to BBC, the man was first detained in the UK on 6 August and removed to France on 19 September, becoming only the third person sent back under the scheme.
He is understood to have re-entered the UK on 18 October and has since been detained.
The Home Office didnt confirm details of the case but said it was taking steps to remove the individual again.
The bilateral scheme,launched in July, is intended to deter Channel crossings by returning certain migrants to France while the UK takes in an equivalent number of recognised refugees who have not attempted the journey.
About 42 people who arrived illegally have been removed, including 23 sent to France. A recent removal flight carried 16 people, the largest group to date.
Under the agreement, France will accept small-boat migrants whose UK asylum claims are rejected, while in return the UK takes one eligible refugee for each person removed.
Home Office figures show 36,734 people have arrived in the UK by small boat so far in 2025 as 8,530 more than at this point last year, but slightly below the record levels of 2022.
There were no crossings on six of the last seven days, although 369 people made the journey on 18 October.
