UK and France extend ‘one in, one out’ small boats pilot scheme until October
Asylum seekers express dismay at continuation of scheme agreed last year that has failed to stop crossings in Channel
TL;DR
- The UK and France are extending a controversial asylum scheme, "one in, one out," from June 11 to October 1.
- The scheme involves returning one asylum seeker who arrived in a small boat to France in exchange for another individual being brought legally to the UK.
- Its aim is to deter small boat crossings and combat people-smuggling gangs.
- Despite the scheme, small boat crossings have continued, and smugglers have adapted their methods.
- The number of crossings has decreased by about a third this year, partly attributed to adverse weather conditions.
- Asylum seekers have expressed upset, stating the scheme is ineffective and causes suffering.
- The Home Office claims the scheme is part of wider reforms to curb illegal migration and increase returns.