The year 2025 has witnessed a significant surge in asylum seekers attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats, marking an increase compared to the previous year. A recent case highlights the complexities of the UK-France migration agreement, as an Iranian migrant who was removed to France under the ‘one-in, one out’ scheme returned to the UK less than a month later, only to be removed again. The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, claimed to be a victim of modern slavery at the hands of smuggling gangs in France. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that the government is committed to expediting removals and securing borders, stating, ‘Anyone looking to return to the UK after being removed is wasting their time and money.’ The migrant recounted harrowing experiences of abuse and threats by smugglers, explaining his fear for his life in France. So far, 94 migrants have been removed from the UK under the treaty, while 57 have been admitted from France. The government faces mounting pressure to address illegal migration, particularly with 36,734 arrivals by small boat as of October 21, 2025—a figure 8,530 higher than in 2024 but 869 lower than the record high in 2022. Additionally, the government has pledged to end the use of costly asylum hotels, which have sparked anti-migrant protests. The previous Conservative government’s Rwanda asylum plan, which faced legal challenges, was halted by the current Labour administration after only four individuals were sent there.