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Home Office Ends Costly Migration Pilot Scheme
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In Short: The Home Office announced Wednesday that its pilot scheme to manage illegal migration from France is no longer processing new cases, marking the end of a costly and reportedly ineffective initiative.
The Home Office announced Wednesday that its pilot scheme to manage illegal migration from France is no longer processing new cases, marking the end of a costly and reportedly ineffective initiative.
According to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, the scheme cost approximately £56,000 for each person relocated to the UK or deported back to France.
Analysis by The i Paper of Home Office data revealed that despite the scheme's efforts, the number of migrants attempting to enter the UK illegally by boat has remained significant, though it is lower than last year.
Experts consulted by The i Paper stated that the scheme's termination is unlikely to lead to an increase in illegal migration to the UK, suggesting the program's ineffectiveness.
The pilot scheme involved relocating 1,117 asylum seekers to the UK from France between August 2025 and June 2026, while slightly fewer (1,087) were deported, according to Home Office data.
The scheme's closure was reportedly influenced by France's demand for a Europe-wide agreement and the reluctance of other nations to participate in increasing the number of people exchanged.
What this adds
The Home Office's decision to end the scheme highlights the challenges in managing illegal migration through bilateral agreements.
Background
The Home Office, also formally referred to as the Home Department, is the United Kingdom's interior ministry. It is responsible for national security, public safety, immigration, passports, and civil registration, as well as policing and criminal justice in England and Wales only.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.