In August 2025, the UK and French governments launched a new “one-in-one-out” agreement on migration. Under this pilot scheme, people arriving in the UK via small boats may be returned to France, while an equal number of asylum seekers in France with family or other ties to the UK are offered entry through a legal route. The first flights under this agreement took place last week.

Statement from Jesuit Refugee Service UK and France (issued on Friday 19 September 2025):

The first flights have taken off under the ‘one-in-one-out’ agreement between the UK and French governments. We do not know what awaits those removed from the UK and neither do they.

The Jesuit Refugee Service accompanies people seeking sanctuary, including some detained under this scheme, and we remain deeply concerned by the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding its implementation. Behind every border policy are human lives, each with dignity and rights that must be upheld.

Too many people are being made vulnerable by conflict, instability, poor governance and corruption, climate displacement, and poverty. Countering those who prey on these injustices, whether people smugglers or human traffickers, is crucial. Blaming the people who have become the currency of criminals is both morally and politically abhorrent.

As we approach the Jubilee of Migrants and Refugees, we take up Pope Leo's call for our communities to be a living witness to hope. We encourage all those who care about justice and compassion to join us in urging the UK and French governments to honour their obligations and uphold the right to seek asylum.

The Jesuit Refugee Service works in over 50 countries with a mission to serve, accompany and advocate for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced people. JRS UK has a special ministry to people made destitute by the asylum system and people held in immigration detention. You can find out more about JRS UK here.

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash