News

France, Britain in talks to end ‘one in, one out’ migrant deal

Cyprus Mail · 2026-09-30

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: France and Britain are in discussions to end their "one in, one out" migration deal, which allowed Britain to deport undocumented migrants arriving by small boats back to France. • Why it matters: The agreement was intended to manage the increasing number of small-boat crossings in the English Channel and streamline the process for legitimate asylum seekers, but its termination could complicate migration management for both countries. • What to watch next: Monitor for further statements from both governments regarding the implications of ending the deal and any potential changes to migration policies in response to ongoing debates.

**France and Britain in Talks to End Controversial Migration Deal**

France and Britain are currently engaged in discussions aimed at terminating their "one in, one out" migration agreement, as confirmed by a source from the French interior ministry on Wednesday. This agreement, which was established last year, was intended to address the increasing number of small-boat crossings in the English Channel by undocumented migrants.

The deal stipulated that Britain would deport undocumented individuals arriving via small boats back to France. In return, France would accept an equivalent number of legitimate asylum seekers who had family connections in the UK. The arrangement was designed to streamline the process of managing migration and to reduce the perilous crossings that have become a significant concern for both nations.

The French interior ministry has not provided specific reasons for its desire to withdraw from the agreement. Meanwhile, the British interior ministry has not responded to inquiries regarding the ongoing discussions or the potential implications of ending the deal.

Under the original terms of the agreement, there were strict timelines in place. Individuals arriving in Britain were to be transferred back to France within a maximum of three months. Furthermore, the UK was obligated to return these individuals within 14 days of their arrival. Notably, the agreement included provisions that exempted unaccompanied minors and individuals deemed to pose a pre-existing security threat from being sent back to France.

The discussions to end the deal come amid ongoing debates about migration policies in both countries, as well as the broader European context. The English Channel has seen a significant increase in crossings over the past few years, prompting both governments to seek solutions to manage the situation effectively.

As these talks progress, it remains to be seen how the withdrawal from the agreement will impact future migration flows and the handling of asylum seekers between the two nations. The situation continues to evolve, and further statements from both governments are anticipated in the coming days.

Source: Cyprus Mail
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
News

TV shows we love: Severance

• What happened: The acclaimed TV series "Severance," created by Dan Erickson, explores themes of dissociation and identity through the story of emplo...

News

Two remanded over 27kg of ketamine

• What happened: Two men, aged 23 and 24, were remanded for eight days after police discovered 27.5 kilograms of ketamine and other illegal substances in their ...

News

Cyprus eyes AI ties with Kazakhstan as Damianou heads to Astana

• What happened: Cyprus Deputy Minister Nicodemos Damianou is visiting Astana, Kazakhstan from October 1 to 3 to strengthen ties in artificial intelligence and ...

News

Fidias says Christodoulides achieved ‘no substantial fruit’ on Cyprus problem

• What happened: Fidias Panayiotou, leader of Direct Democracy Cyprus, criticized President Nikos Christodoulides for failing to make significant progress on th...

News

Iran says it receives US response to latest proposal as Washington pulls out of Iraq

• What happened: Iran received a US response to its proposal aimed at reviving a ceasefire in the Gulf, coinciding with the US withdrawal of its last troops fro...

News

Papadopoulos: confidence-building measures not a condition for enlarged meeting

• What happened: Nicholas Papadopoulos, leader of the Democratic Party (Diko), stated that confidence-building measures between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cy...