Asylum seeker in UK criticizes 'one in, one out' scheme for unfair deportations

An asylum seeker recently brought to the UK under the controversial 'one in, one out' scheme expressed his concerns about the fairness of the policy. The individual, who arrived legally from France, stated that it feels unjust to benefit from the deportation of another asylum seeker who may share a similar case. This policy allows for the legal entry of one asylum seeker into the UK in exchange for the forced return of another to France.

Concerns About Fairness in the Asylum Process

The asylum seeker, who remains anonymous to protect his identity, elaborated on his feelings during an interview. He remarked, “I am very happy to be here, but it’s not fair that another asylum seeker who may have a very similar case to mine but arrived in a small boat has been sent back to France so I can come here legally.” He underscored his disapproval of the policy, emphasizing that he does not support the forced deportation of others for his entry.

Since the announcement of the 'one in, one out' scheme last July, over 900 individuals have been allowed into the UK to apply for asylum, while a similar number has faced deportation. The charity Safe Passage, which assists asylum seekers in France, criticized the policy as “not a genuine route to protection.”

Legal Entry vs. Dangerous Crossings

The asylum seeker acknowledged the significant differences between his legal journey and the perilous small boat crossings undertaken by many others. He noted, “I applied for a university scholarship, but was told I am not eligible because I am an asylum seeker. I am doing some volunteering, but by not allowing us to work or study and just waiting, the Home Office is teaching us to be lazy.”

While he appreciates his safer entry into the UK, he feels a sense of limbo as he awaits the outcome of his asylum claim. He described the process of applying for the 'in' scheme online, where they provided biometrics and passports in Paris before being flown to the UK.

Impact of the Policy on Asylum Seekers

The asylum seeker shared his experience upon arrival in the UK, where he and others were taken to a Home Office building. He praised the staff for their diplomatic approach, stating, “They were so nice and friendly.” However, the head of campaigns at Safe Passage, Gunes Kalkan, highlighted that the extended processing times for applications hinder the policy's effectiveness as a genuine protection route.

As of February 2026, a report indicated that 89% of those brought to the UK under the 'one in, one out' scheme were single men aged between 20 and 39. Despite a reported decrease in small boat crossings, the scheme has yet to serve as a deterrent. Recent statistics indicate that Channel crossings in the first five months of this year have decreased by over a third compared to the previous year.

A Home Office spokesperson confirmed that multiple families have successfully applied under the UK-France agreement, emphasizing that all individuals transferred to the UK are subject to thorough security checks.