The UK government's 'one in, one out' policy, which allows for the return of migrants crossing the Channel to France, costs an average of £56,000 per person, according to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The initiative aims to manage small boat arrivals while taking in an equal number of individuals from France with legitimate claims to enter the UK.
Since its launch in August 2025, approximately 1,400 migrants have been deported under this scheme. Despite a 44% decrease in small boat crossings this year, officials noted challenges in scaling up the program effectively.