First migrants detained under the new agreement with France

• The detention of migrants began on September 6, 2025.
• The agreement provides for mutual exchange of migrants between the United Kingdom and France.
• In 2025, over 25,000 migrants arrived in Britain via La-Manche.

The first migrants, who arrived in the United Kingdom after crossing La-Manche, were detained under the new agreement "one for one," confirmed Home Secretary Keir Starmer. The detentions took place on September 6, 2025, the first day of the pilot scheme.

According to the agreement, any adult migrant who crosses the channel is subject to detention, provided that their application for asylum is deemed inadmissible. For each migrant returned to France, Britain accepts one refugee from France.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the detained individuals will be kept in centers for immigrants until their return to France. Interior Minister Évett Cooper noted that the detentions send a signal to each migrant that the possibility of using the services of organized criminal groups for transfer to the United Kingdom is being curtailed.

Along with the new rules, the United Kingdom is required to send requests to France within three days, while the French side has 14 days to respond. However, questions remain regarding the formulation of the agreement, which may be extended to migrants.

As of 2025, over 25,000 people have already arrived in the United Kingdom via La-Manche, which is a record for this time of year.

Tags: Europe/Politics