France and UK Forge Landmark Migration Return Agreement
France and the UK finalize a pivotal migration return agreement to manage Channel crossings.
Key Points
- • France will accept migrants not eligible for UK asylum.
- • UK will take in migrants from France eligible for asylum or family reunification.
- • Agreement allows for about 50 returns weekly.
- • Channel crossings have surged to approximately 21,000 this year, a 50% increase from 2024.
On July 11, 2025, France and the United Kingdom finalized a significant migration agreement aimed at addressing the ongoing challenge of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. This development comes during a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to the UK.
Under the terms of this bilateral agreement, France will accept migrants who are not eligible for asylum in the UK. In return, the UK will welcome migrants from France who qualify for asylum or family reunification, establishing a reciprocal framework for managing migration between the two nations. This agreement is set to facilitate the return of approximately 50 migrants to France each week, a relatively modest allocation given that around 21,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats since the start of the year. This figure represents a 50% increase in crossings compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed this agreement as 'revolutionary,' emphasizing its potential to streamline the process for handling migrant claims and reduce pressure on both countries' asylum systems. Previous UK administrations have struggled to enact similar measures, making this agreement particularly notable in the context of rising immigration challenges.
The agreement aims to balance responsibilities and streamline asylum processes, thereby addressing the concerns of both nations as they face criticism over handling migration flows. As Gabriel Attal, the French Minister of National Education commented, this initiative underscores a collaborative approach towards managing migration, aligning with both countries' objectives to enhance border security while fulfilling humanitarian obligations.
With the new protocols in place, both France and the UK anticipate a reduction in undocumented immigration and strain on their respective asylum systems, potentially setting a new precedent for future bilateral migration agreements in Europe.