Hundreds of Asylum Seekers Removed from UK to France Under Pilot Scheme Have Disappeared, NGOs Warn
Quick Brief
Human rights organizations report that hundreds of asylum seekers, including at least 41 age-disputed children, have vanished following their removal from the UK to France. The deportations took place under a bilateral "one in, one out" pilot scheme initiated by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. The arrangement forcibly returns small-boat migrants to France in exchange for bringing other asylum seekers legally to the UK.
What Happened?
According to human rights groups, hundreds of individuals transferred from the UK to France under the "one in, one out" deportation treaty have gone missing. The missing cohort includes at least 41 age-disputed children. The arrangement, structured as a pilot program, was originally announced in July 2025 by former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to swap small-boat arrivals sent to France for individuals admitted legally into the UK.
Why It Matters
The disappearance of vulnerable populations, particularly children, under a bilateral state-backed removal agreement raises serious humanitarian and legal concerns regarding the safety, tracking, and welfare standards applied to deportees.
Key Facts
- Hundreds of asylum seekers removed from the UK to France have disappeared, according to NGOs.
- The missing individuals include at least 41 age-disputed children.
- The deportations occurred under the 'one in, one out' pilot scheme treaty.
- The program was announced in July 2025 by then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- The arrangement forcibly returns small-boat asylum seekers to France in exchange for individuals brought legally to the UK.
Compiled from 2 outlets
Related Stories
Portsmouth Prepares for Anti-Migration Demonstration and Counter-Protest Following Unrest
Law enforcement in Portsmouth is preparing for upcoming anti-migration demonstrations and counter-protests following recent unrest. Deputy Chief Constable Andy Mariner stated that officers are fully prepared to utilize special powers, including bans on face coverings.
RNLI Sees Surge in Donations Following Far-Right Targeting Over Small Boat Rescues
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has reported a substantial rise in contributions following harassment by far-right activists. The charity and its volunteers faced abuse after rescuing asylum seekers from a dinghy brought into Portsmouth on Sunday. Despite the intimidation, the organization remains committed to saving lives at sea.
Police Eliminate Over 70 Names in Effort to Identify Woman Found Dead in Liverpool Park
Authorities in Liverpool are struggling to identify the body of a woman found deceased in a local park. Although investigators have eliminated over 70 potential names, the woman's identity remains a mystery two weeks after the discovery.
Green Party Picks Zack Polanski to Contest Starmer's Former Seat
The Green Party has chosen Zack Polanski as its candidate for the upcoming byelection in Holborn and St Pancras. The seat was previously held by Keir Starmer. Party leadership has described the campaign as an underdog race that the party can still win.