France proposes replacing UK migrant deal with EU-wide agreement

France is seeking to replace the current bilateral migrant exchange agreement with the United Kingdom with a broader EU-wide scheme. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has indicated that Paris does not intend to renew the existing “one in, one out” pilot agreement beyond October 1, 2026, arguing that France should not bear the responsibility alone.

The proposed EU-wide model would allow the UK to return migrants who cross the Channel to Europe while requiring the UK to accept asylum seekers with legitimate claims from across the 27 EU member states. This move puts France on a potential collision course with the British government, which seeks to make the current bilateral arrangement permanent to deter illegal crossings.

The current scheme has seen limited impact, with approximately 1,400 migrants returned to France compared to roughly 32,000 illegal arrivals. Additionally, human rights organizations have raised concerns regarding the disappearance of hundreds of migrants returned under the deal, including allegations of age-disputed unaccompanied minors being processed in adult detention centers. The UK Home Office has denied these allegations, stating that no individuals with disputed ages were returned.