Indian man becomes first to be deported under new UK-France migration agreement
PTC Web Desk: In a first under the recently signed UK-France migration agreement, an Indian national has been deported from the United Kingdom after entering the country illegally via a small boat across the English Channel. The man, who reportedly arrived in Britain in early August, was flown from Heathrow Airport to Paris last Thursday under the new “one-in, one-out” pilot scheme.
The landmark treaty allows the UK to return migrants who cross the Channel illegally to France, while in return, Britain will accept the same number of asylum seekers through legal and regulated channels. The scheme, introduced in August, is designed to reduce pressure on the UK asylum system and deter dangerous journeys facilitated by people smugglers.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the removal as an “important first step” in strengthening border security. “This sends a clear message: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you. We will continue to support genuine refugees, but through safe and legal pathways – not through risky crossings or criminal networks,” she said.
Today, we have dealt a blow to the smuggler gangs.
The removal of small boat migrants to France has begun.
I will do whatever it takes to secure our borders – and this is a vital first step. pic.twitter.com/qIf6wm5YI1 — Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) September 18, 2025
According to the UK Home Office, the deported Indian man will be given the option of a voluntary return to India while in France. If he declines, he may face enforced removal and will not be permitted to claim asylum in the UK.
The move comes amid a sharp increase in illegal immigration involving Indian nationals. Government data shows a 108 per cent year-on-year rise in such cases, with 2,715 Indians currently held in UK immigration detention as of August.
The “one-in, one-out” arrangement will operate as a pilot scheme until June 2026. More removals under this framework are expected in the coming days. Officials have also confirmed that the UK has intensified its deportation measures, with more than 35,000 individuals without legal status removed in the past year. Returns of foreign criminals rose by 14 per cent, while asylum-related removals increased by 28 per cent.
The Home Office emphasised that the government will continue to contest legal challenges against deportations, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining control of its borders.
- With inputs from agencies
