Migrant Expelled from UK Returns by Boat Amid Rising Channel Crossings

A migrant who was expelled from the UK back to France under the Franco-British agreement has successfully re-entered England by crossing the English Channel by boat. The individual, an Iranian national, was expelled on September 19 and returned to the UK on October 18, where he is now detained. He intends to seek asylum, claiming to be a victim of a human trafficking network operated by smugglers in northern France.

This incident highlights challenges in the bilateral migration agreement implemented in early August 2025, which facilitates returning migrants arriving in the UK by small boats to France, with the UK agreeing to accept a corresponding number from France. Since its inception, 42 migrants have been expelled to France while 23 have been admitted into the UK under the agreement.

The UK Home Office is working to expel the migrant again, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasizing the urgency of more effective and quicker expulsions to deter illegal crossings. The number of migrants crossing the Channel has surged to over 36,000 in 2025, surpassing the 2024 total, reflecting an ongoing increase in attempts despite the agreement.

Additionally, the UK government has announced sanctions targeting Balkan networks alleged to facilitate illegal immigration, coinciding with a London summit of regional leaders to address the issue.

This episode underscores the difficulties both countries face managing migration flows across the Channel, the controversies surrounding the agreement, and the complexities in combating human trafficking linked to these crossings.