First Deportation Flight to France Delayed by Legal Challenge

The inaugural flight under the UK’s controversial “one in, one out” deal for Channel migrants has been postponed due to last-minute legal challenges. The flight, which was set to transport a migrant from Heathrow to Paris on March 4, 2024, faced delays following the threat of legal action, as reported by the Daily Telegraph.

The Home Office aims to resume the flight on March 5, 2024, despite the ongoing legal hurdles. Reports from The Times indicate that several migrants set for deportation this week have secured legal representation, leading to delays in their removal. One specific case involved a migrant who argued that their previous experiences of torture and trafficking should preclude their return to France.

Details of the Deportation Plan

Government officials have stated that the first deportation flights under the agreement with France are anticipated to occur this week, according to information from the Press Association. However, Baroness Jacqui Smith, the skills minister, did not provide specific numbers regarding how many individuals would be sent back to France. Reports suggest that French authorities are prepared to accept only a small initial group of deportations, with plans to gradually increase the number over time.

The pilot scheme involves returning asylum seekers who have crossed the Channel to France in exchange for individuals who have applied and been approved to come to the UK. Formal removal directions have reportedly been issued to migrants who arrived in the UK via small boats last month, indicating they could be deported within five days of notification.

Rising Numbers of Migrants

The situation is further complicated by the rising number of migrants arriving in the UK. As of early March 2024, the total number of individuals crossing the English Channel has surpassed 30,000 for the year, marking the earliest point in a calendar year that this threshold has been crossed since records began in 2018.

The ongoing legal challenges highlight the complexities of the UK’s immigration policy and the contentious nature of the agreements with France. As efforts continue to implement this deportation scheme, the government faces significant scrutiny regarding its humanitarian implications and legal viability.