The looming deadline of October has cast a spotlight on the contentious 'one in, one out' agreement governing cross-Channel migration between the UK and France. According to French media reports, this deal will soon expire, leaving its fate uncertain amidst ongoing criticism from NGOs and asylum seekers who deem it inhumane.
Under the current arrangement, asylum seekers arriving in the UK by small boat can be forcibly returned to France, provided that an equivalent number of individuals in France are brought to the UK legally. Critics argue that this selection process is arbitrary and fails to address the root causes of migration.
NGOs have been vocal in their opposition to the agreement, with Doctors Without Borders describing it as a 'cynical bargaining over human lives'. The organisation has highlighted instances of acute stress disorder and disorientation among those returned to France under the scheme.
The Home Office, however, views the EU Channel action plan favourably, perceiving it as a step towards a more coordinated European response to cross-Channel migration. Between last September and 9 June this year, statistics show that 921 asylum seekers were returned to France while 896 others entered the UK legally.