Three migrants have entered the UK, becoming the first to do so under the “one in, one out” deal struck with the France.
The family of three, including a small child, arrived in Britain on Wednesday afternoon.
It follows the removal of four people from the UK under the scheme and marks what the Home Office called its “critical first steps”.
The agreement with France is part of the government’s strategy to deter people from using dangerous illegal routes to the UK via the English Channel.
It is aimed at deporting migrants who have crossed the Channel in exchange for those who apply in France and are approved to come to the UK.
The Government has said the newly established legal route for those entering the country includes rigorous documentation as well as eligibility and security checks.
The family has received three-month visas and do not have the right to work in the UK but will be able to apply to stay in the country, the BBC reported.
A spokesperson for the Home Office said: “This is a clear message to people-smuggling gangs that illegal entry into the UK will not be tolerated.
“We will continue to detain and remove those who arrive by small boat.”
Ministers hope the scheme will act as a deterrent to those considering making the dangerous journey across the Channel as the Government grapples with soaring numbers of arrivals.
A total of 32,188 people have arrived in Britain by small boat so far in 2025, with more than 1,000 in a single day last Friday, after returns to Paris commenced under the deal.
The Government intends to increase the number of people being sent back under the pilot agreement, which runs initially until June next year.
