The UK and France have launched a pilot "one-in, one-out" scheme to reduce small boat crossings in the English Channel.

Axar.az, citing BBC, reports that under the plan, the UK will return some illegal migrants to France and accept an equal number of asylum seekers from France who haven’t tried to cross and pass security checks.

Returns could begin within weeks.

So far in 2025, over 25,000 people have crossed up 49% from 2024. The UK also announced £100 million to fund 300 officers to target smuggling gangs.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the deal a diplomatic success, while critics, including the Conservative opposition and some charities, argue it won’t significantly reduce crossings and fails to offer safe asylum routes.