World Immigration News

(The Guardian)Hundreds of asylum seekers removed from UK to France have disappeared, say NGOs

Release Date: 2026-09-11
Media: The Guardian
Summary: Hundreds of asylum seekers returned from the UK to France under the “one in, one out” scheme have disappeared from official contact and are believed to be living underground across Europe, according to human rights groups. Since September 2025, about 1,400 people have been returned to France, just 4% of roughly 32,000 Channel arrivals.

Particular concern surrounds children. NGOs claim at least 41 age-disputed children and young people were unlawfully returned to France and are now missing. Independent monitors have also reported that almost 100 children were wrongly detained as adults. The UK Home Office strongly denies returning anyone whose age remained in dispute.

French politicians say only about 200 returnees remain in contact with French authorities. Others reportedly went underground because of hostile treatment, pressure to return to unsafe home countries, or fears of being transferred to other European states. Médecins Sans Frontières has also reported severe psychological distress among some returnees.

The agreement expires on October 1. The UK reportedly wants to extend and expand it, while France is seeking a Europe-wide system in which other countries would share responsibility for returned asylum seekers.
Tags: France

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