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In a landmark move under the UK-France returns treaty, Britain deported an Indian citizen to France, marking the beginning of a joint effort to curb illegal Channel crossings and smuggler networks.
First Deportation Under UK-France Treaty: Indian National Sent Back to France
New Delhi: The UK recently deported an Indian citizen to France, the first such case under the new returns treaty between the UK and France. This treaty aims to curb immigrants who illegally cross the English Channel and reach Britain in small boats.
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described this action as a significant step against "smuggler gangs" and said it shows that Britain will no longer tolerate illegal immigration.
Under this "one in, one out" scheme, effective from August 2025, Britain can return illegal immigrants arriving by boat to France, provided they have previously transited through a "safe country." In return, France can also send a certain number of immigrants to Britain who apply for visas legally through an online platform. This pilot scheme will run until June 2026.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that these deportations are a "proof of concept" for the scheme, demonstrating that it can work. He further stated that it is now necessary to implement the scheme on a larger scale to break the network of "gangs."
Thousands of immigrants arrive in Britain each year by boat across the English Channel. This has not only fueled public anger but also bolstered right-wing forces like the Reform UK party. At least 23 immigrants have lost their lives on such journeys so far in 2025.
Recently, the London High Court temporarily halted the deportation of an Eritrean citizen because he claimed to be a victim of human trafficking. The government will now review the Modern Anti-Slavery Law to prevent its misuse. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she would take strong action against such "vexatious" attempts.
France has also confirmed the return of the Indian citizen and said that the group of legal immigrants will be sent to Britain before Saturday. However, several French NGOs are questioning the effectiveness of this plan and calling it impractical.
This new UK-France treaty offers a new model against illegal immigration. While it is a start, many questions may arise regarding its legal, humanitarian, and diplomatic aspects. The return of the Indian citizen is considered a symbolic but important step in this direction.
