The “one in, one out” pilot scheme was set up as part of a deal announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron during his state visit to the UK in July.
The first group of people to arrive under the scheme were detained in Dover earlier this month. Removals to France have yet to take place and could take up to three months.
When Labour came to power it promised to smash the gangs organising the crossings, but warned that it would not be quick or easy to do. Ministers are now under pressure to deliver results, though the deterrent effect of the returns deal may not become clear until deportations begin in earnest and increase in number.
Speaking about the first detentions earlier this month, Sir Keir said: “If you break the law to enter this country, you will face being sent back. When I say I will stop at nothing to secure our borders, I mean it.”
Set to last 11 months, the project will see the UK accepting an equal number of asylum seekers who have not tried to cross and can pass security and eligibility checks.
At the time, shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised the government’s new deal as “having no deterrent effect whatsoever”.
The National Crime Agency said it has had some success in disrupting the business model of the smugglers.
Last week, 20 inflatable boats believed to be destined for the Channel were seized from a lorry in Bulgaria – the second such discovery in less than three weeks.
The government says it’s an illustration of the need for international cooperation to tackle illegal immigration.