UK Deports First Channel Migrant Under Controversial Policy Amid Legal Challenges

The UK Home Office has confirmed the deportation of the first Channel migrant to France as part of a contentious 'one in, one out' deal aimed at regulating the influx of asylum seekers across the English Channel. This action follows several days of cancellations for tickets of individuals scheduled for removal and a recent High Court challenge that delayed the deportation of a 25-year-old Eritrean man seeking to contest his removal, citing claims of being a trafficking victim. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the significance of this first deportation, asserting that it represents a crucial step in securing the nation's borders. "This sends a message to people crossing in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you," Mahmood stated. She also vowed to combat any last-minute legal attempts that might delay immigration removals, underscoring the importance of managing asylum claims through safer, legal means rather than perilous voyages across the Channel. The UK-France treaty, effective since August 6, allows the UK government to detain and swiftly remove individuals arriving by small boats while agreeing to accept an equal number of migrants through newly created safe and legal passages after security assessments. The Home Office has indicated plans to appeal a court ruling related to the time migrants can provide evidence for their cases. The individual deported on Thursday morning is reported to be from India and was believed to have arrived in Paris via an Air France flight. Though there were indications he might pursue a legal challenge to his removal, this did not prevent his deportation. According to data, migrants from India typically face lower asylum acceptance rates compared to those from war-torn nations like Eritrea, Sudan, and Syria. This deportation marks a significant shift within the government's approach to immigration, with the man being the initial case among roughly 100 Channel migrants taken into custody by Border Force last month who have faced back deportation to France. In the days leading up to the deportation, the UK faced disruptions, with several scheduled removals being cancelled, often attributed to ongoing legal procedures. Reports suggest that the French authorities specifically requested the Indian migrant in question, as they intend to offer him voluntary return to his home country, with the government covering his airfare and providing financial aid amounting to £2,500. Should he decline this voluntary return option, he will face forced removal from France. Those arriving in France will reportedly be given accommodations for the initial days and offered support to choose whether to return home. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2