Iranian migrant third to be removed to France under UK 'one in, one out' deal after Channel crossing

An Iranian man has been removed to France under the United Kingdom's 'one in, one out' migrant deal, becoming the third person to be returned under the policy after crossing the Channel in a small boat, according to Home Office sources.

The removals in recent days followed the deportation of an Eritrean migrant who lost a High Court bid to pause his removal. The Home Office had already on Thursday sent the first migrant under the scheme, an Indian national, back to France.

Authorities said the Iranian migrant was flown from London to Paris in the morning, the latest step in a program designed to move migrants between the two countries on a one-for-one basis.

Migrants are brought ashore at Dover after crossing the Channel from France, where they are processed by authorities on both sides of the border. The scheme operates on a one-for-one basis: for every migrant returned to France, another migrant heading to the United Kingdom is moved in the opposite direction, according to Home Office statements.

France and the United Kingdom have cited cooperation and legal steps in the process, including court challenges by migrants seeking to block removals. The latest removals come as authorities monitor ongoing crossing attempts across the Channel, which remains one of Europe’s busiest migration corridors.

Officials stressed that the scheme is subject to legal processes, and proceedings can affect timelines. The Home Office has said the policy is lawful and aimed at managing border pressures. The ongoing crossings have prompted renewed calls from lawmakers in both countries to continue work on border controls and asylum pathways.

Authorities urged the public to follow official updates as the situation evolves and said more details would be released as they become available.