UK Begins Migrant Returns Under New Asylum Deal with France
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- The UK has begun detaining migrants under a new "one in, one out" asylum deal with France, with the first returns expected within weeks.
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that those arriving illegally could face immediate detention and return to France.
- The pilot scheme, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, will last 11 months.
- Legal challenges are anticipated, with charities criticizing the policy as denying asylum seekers the right to sanctuary.
- The scheme requires asylum seekers to meet strict eligibility criteria, potentially excluding individuals from countries like Eritrea.
The United Kingdom has initiated a controversial pilot scheme to return migrants arriving via small boats to France, under a "one in, one out" asylum agreement. This new policy, which began on Wednesday, is part of a deal announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron during a state visit in July. The Home Office has confirmed that the first group of migrants detained under this scheme could be returned to France within weeks.
Detentions and Returns Underway
On the first day of the scheme's implementation, several dozen migrants were detained after crossing the English Channel. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that anyone arriving illegally is eligible for immediate detention and return. The Home Office released footage showing the initial processing of these migrants, including biometric and security checks, before their transfer to immigration removal centres.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
The scheme has sparked significant controversy, with immigration lawyers and charities questioning its legality and morality. Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, criticized the policy as "morally repugnant," arguing that it denies individuals the right to seek sanctuary. The charity is exploring potential legal challenges, echoing concerns about the scheme's confusing terms and its impact on asylum seekers' access to justice.
Eligibility Criteria and Potential Exclusions
The reciprocal arrangement allows the UK to accept an equal number of asylum seekers from France, provided they meet stringent eligibility criteria. This includes providing official documents, which could exclude individuals from countries like Eritrea, where obtaining such documents is often impossible. A spokesperson for Refugee Legal Support highlighted that many Eritreans, who form a significant portion of Channel crossings, lack the necessary documentation.
Political and Operational Implications
As the pilot scheme progresses, the UK government faces both operational and political challenges. The Home Office has launched a campaign to deter potential migrants, warning of the risks of detention and return. Meanwhile, the government must navigate potential legal battles and address humanitarian concerns raised by critics.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The implementation of the "one in, one out" asylum deal could lead to significant legal and political ramifications. If legal challenges succeed, the government may need to revise or abandon the scheme, potentially impacting UK-France relations. Politically, the policy could influence public opinion on immigration, affecting future electoral outcomes. Experts suggest that the government must balance border security with humanitarian obligations to avoid further controversy and legal setbacks.
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UK Begins Migrant Returns Under New Asylum Deal with France
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- The UK has begun detaining migrants under a new "one in, one out" asylum deal with France, with the first returns expected within weeks.
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that those arriving illegally could face immediate detention and return to France.
- The pilot scheme, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, will last 11 months.
- Legal challenges are anticipated, with charities criticizing the policy as denying asylum seekers the right to sanctuary.
- The scheme requires asylum seekers to meet strict eligibility criteria, potentially excluding individuals from countries like Eritrea.
The United Kingdom has initiated a controversial pilot scheme to return migrants arriving via small boats to France, under a "one in, one out" asylum agreement. This new policy, which began on Wednesday, is part of a deal announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron during a state visit in July. The Home Office has confirmed that the first group of migrants detained under this scheme could be returned to France within weeks.
Detentions and Returns Underway
On the first day of the scheme's implementation, several dozen migrants were detained after crossing the English Channel. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that anyone arriving illegally is eligible for immediate detention and return. The Home Office released footage showing the initial processing of these migrants, including biometric and security checks, before their transfer to immigration removal centres.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
The scheme has sparked significant controversy, with immigration lawyers and charities questioning its legality and morality. Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, criticized the policy as "morally repugnant," arguing that it denies individuals the right to seek sanctuary. The charity is exploring potential legal challenges, echoing concerns about the scheme's confusing terms and its impact on asylum seekers' access to justice.
Eligibility Criteria and Potential Exclusions
The reciprocal arrangement allows the UK to accept an equal number of asylum seekers from France, provided they meet stringent eligibility criteria. This includes providing official documents, which could exclude individuals from countries like Eritrea, where obtaining such documents is often impossible. A spokesperson for Refugee Legal Support highlighted that many Eritreans, who form a significant portion of Channel crossings, lack the necessary documentation.
Political and Operational Implications
As the pilot scheme progresses, the UK government faces both operational and political challenges. The Home Office has launched a campaign to deter potential migrants, warning of the risks of detention and return. Meanwhile, the government must navigate potential legal battles and address humanitarian concerns raised by critics.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The implementation of the "one in, one out" asylum deal could lead to significant legal and political ramifications. If legal challenges succeed, the government may need to revise or abandon the scheme, potentially impacting UK-France relations. Politically, the policy could influence public opinion on immigration, affecting future electoral outcomes. Experts suggest that the government must balance border security with humanitarian obligations to avoid further controversy and legal setbacks.
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