By using this website you agree that we use cookies. You can find out more in the privacy policy.

Volkswacht Bodensee - France, UK mull migrant swaps in bid to stem Channel crossings

3°C
Volkswacht Bodensee
×
NYSE - LSE
VOD 1.5% 9.31 $
GSK 1.56% 35.93 $
NGG 0.87% 72.11 $
RELX 1.92% 52.2 $
BTI 1.27% 42.37 $
RBGPF 100% 63.59 $
RYCEF -1.5% 9.36 $
AZN 0.8% 67.59 $
CMSC 0.18% 21.82 $
RIO 1.74% 58.17 $
CMSD 0.18% 21.96 $
JRI 1.29% 12.4 $
BCC 0.83% 93.47 $
BP 2.33% 28.32 $
BCE 1.91% 22.04 $
SCS 0.51% 9.76 $
France, UK mull migrant swaps in bid to stem Channel crossings
France, UK mull migrant swaps in bid to stem Channel crossings / Photo: © AFP

France, UK mull migrant swaps in bid to stem Channel crossings

ECONOMY 17.04.2025

Paris and London are discussing a trial to deport undocumented migrants from the United Kingdom to France in exchange for allowing others to join family in Britain, France's interior ministry said Thursday.

Text size:

The United Kingdom is seeking to crack down on migrants crossing the Channel from France to England on flimsy rubber dinghies in search of a better life.

France and Britain have pledged to step up the fight against people smugglers who enable the sometimes deadly crossings.

Both sides are discussing "a trial", France's interior ministry said.

It would be carried out "on a one-for-one basis of a legal entry for family reunification in exchange for (France) readmitting undocumented migrants who managed to cross" the Channel to the United Kingdom.

"Setting up legal routes, as well as re-entries (to France) to discourage migrant smuggling networks, are part of possible solutions," it added.

Asked for comment, the British Home Office said the United Kingdom, France and other European countries were "exploring fresh and innovative measures to dismantle the business models of the criminal smuggling gangs".

Last year, more than 36,800 people crossed the Channel, up 25 percent from 2023, according to British figures.

According to French authorities, 78 migrants died in 2024 while trying to reach England aboard small boats, a record since the start of the trend in this area in 2018.

The United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands in December agreed to boost cooperation against irregular migration.

S.Gantenbein--VB

Featured

Migrant's expulsion puts Washington Salvadorans on edge

Migrant's expulsion puts Washington Salvadorans on edge
Plan for expanded Muslim community triggers hope, fear in Texas

Plan for expanded Muslim community triggers hope, fear in Texas
Ford 'adjusts' some exports to China due to tariffs

Ford 'adjusts' some exports to China due to tariffs
Trump goes to war with the Fed

Trump goes to war with the Fed