Asylum seeker secretly returns to UK An asylum seeker deported from the UK to France under the controversial “one in, one out” migration pact has secretly returned to Britain and is now living in hiding, according to a report by The Guardian.The man, in an interview with the British daily, claimed he was forced to flee back to the UK after allegedly being assaulted by smugglers operating in refugee camps in northern France.He told The Guardian he feared for his life after refusing to work with trafficking gangs. “I’m scared to leave this room,” he said, adding that he was hiding in a city outside London while trying to avoid smugglers, police and immigration authorities.The report said the asylum seeker returned to Britain concealed in a lorry after being sent back to France by the UK Home Office. He also claimed that at least 18 other migrants deported under the same arrangement had similarly re-entered the UK clandestinely and were now living “underground”.The man said smugglers had adapted their operations because of tighter policing and deportation measures.While small boat crossings across the English Channel reportedly cost between €1,000 and €2,000, migrants are now allegedly being offered costlier lorry journeys priced at €4,000 to €5,000 to evade surveillance.The UK-France “one in, one out” agreement was introduced to deter illegal Channel crossings and dismantle people-smuggling networks. However, despite the policy, thousands of asylum seekers have continued attempting to enter Britain, with trafficking gangs reportedly shifting routes and tactics.The deported migrant said he had no intention of engaging in illegal work but warned that people forced into hiding could eventually be pushed towards crime simply to survive. “I came here to respect the rules of the country, not to break them,” he was quoted as saying by The Guardian.The report also highlighted another case involving an asylum seeker who left the UK voluntarily earlier this year fearing deportation, only to later receive official Home Office communication that appeared unaware he had already exited the country.Responding to the revelations, a UK Home Office spokesperson told The Guardian that anyone attempting to return after removal under the agreement would be deported again. The department maintained that enforcement action and removals had increased significantly under the current government.
What is the UK-France “One In, One Out” policy?
The UK’s “one in, one out” scheme is a reciprocal migration arrangement with France aimed at reducing illegal small boat crossings across the English Channel.Under the policy:Migrants arriving illegally in the UK via small boats can be detained and returned to France within 14 days.In exchange, Britain agrees to legally accept one vetted asylum seeker from France for every person sent back.Those selected for legal transfer are usually individuals with family links in the UK or vulnerable humanitarian cases.The agreement is intended to discourage dangerous Channel crossings and weaken human-smuggling networks.Despite the policy, critics argue it has pushed migrants towards more dangerous and expensive clandestine routes, including transport hidden inside lorries.