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Franco-British One-for-One Migrant Exchange Scheme Launches

The pilot scheme runs until June 2026 under European Commission approval to dismantle smuggling networks through reciprocal transfers of migrants.

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Un groupe de supposés migrants, partant de la plage de Gravelines, en France, pour rejoindre le Royaume-Uni en traversant la Manche en bateau, fin mai 2025.
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Ceux et celles qui arriveraient jusqu’en Angleterre pourront désormais être arrêtés à leur arrivée et «triés» d'après les termes de l'accord franco-britannique.

Overview

  • The one-for-one exchange commenced on August 5–6, 2025, swapping inadmissible small-boat arrivals in the UK with migrants from France approved through an online application platform.
  • Each government plans to detain and transfer about 50 migrants per week during the pilot, subjecting all new arrivals to comprehensive security vetting.
  • The European Commission backed the initiative as an innovative deterrent against Channel crossings and will conduct monthly evaluations of its performance.
  • Northern French officials and migrant aid associations argue that the arrangement disproportionately benefits the UK and may breach international refugee protections.
  • The agreement responds to a record 25,400 small-boat crossings so far this year and reflects mounting pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer from Reform UK and public protests.