Returns deal fails as deported migrant crosses back to UK

People thought to be migrants wait in the sea to board a small boat in Gravelines, France (Gareth Fuller/PA) Gareth Fuller

A migrant who was deported to France under the government's returns deal has re-entered the UK on a small boat, highlighting challenges with the policy as Channel crossings reach a new milestone. The man has been detained and the Home Office intends to send him back to France again.

The incident comes as the number of migrants arriving by small boat this year has exceeded the total for all of 2024. More than 36,816 people have now crossed the Channel in 2025, surpassing last year's entire figure.

Returns deal challenged

The man told the Guardian he was a victim of modern slavery at the hands of smugglers in northern France. "If I had felt that France was safe for me I would never have returned to the UK," he said.

"When we were returned to France we were taken to a shelter in Paris. I didn't dare to go out because I was afraid for my life. The smugglers are very dangerous. They always carry weapons and knives," he explained.

He described falling into a human trafficking network in French forests before his first crossing. "They took me like a worthless object, forced me to work, abused me, and threatened me with a gun and told me I would be killed if I made the slightest protest."

Trafficking trauma detailed

"Every day and every night I was filled with terror and stress. Every day I live in fear and anxiety, every loud noise, every shadow, every strange face scares me," the man continued. "When I reached UK the first time and Home Office asked what had happened to me I was crying and couldn't speak about this because of shame."

The returns deal was struck between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) and French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this year. It aims to create a disincentive for dangerous Channel crossings by allowing people who arrive by small boat to be detained and returned to France in exchange for an equivalent number who applied through safe and legal routes.

Record crossings continue

Home Office figures show 36,734 migrants had made the journey up to Tuesday, just 82 short of 2024's total of 36,816. Sources confirmed Wednesday's arrivals meant that milestone has now been surpassed, with official figures expected by Thursday.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood (Labour) said "we must go further and faster" in preventing dangerous crossings. "The previous government left our borders in crisis, and we are still living with the consequences. These figures are shameful - the British people deserve better," she stated.

"This Government is taking action. We have detained and removed more than 35,000 who were here illegally. Our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back," Mahmood added.

Western Balkans focus

Sir Keir is meeting with Western Balkans leaders on Wednesday as the UK seeks further measures to reduce illegal migrant arrivals. Some 22,000 people were smuggled by gangs last year along routes through the region, which has become increasingly important to tackling illegal migration across Europe.

Last year, small boat crossings made up four per cent of overall immigration but more than 80 per cent of unauthorised arrivals. A Home Office spokesperson said individuals returned under the pilot who subsequently attempt to re-enter the UK illegally will be removed.

"We will not accept any abuse of our borders, and we will do everything in our power to remove those without the legal right to be here," the spokesperson said.

Sources used: "The Guardian", "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).