France, UK plan migrant swaps in bid to stem Channel crossings

France and the United Kingdom are considering a trial migrant swap to curb dangerous crossings of the English Channel, Arab News reported yesterday citing France’s interior ministry. Under the proposed plan, undocumented migrants who have crossed from France to the UK would be deported back to France. In exchange, France would allow a corresponding number of migrants to enter the UK legally for family reunification.

The UK aims to crack down on migrants attempting to cross the Channel in unsafe rubber dinghies, a journey that has become increasingly deadly. Last year, over 36,800 people made the crossing—a 25 percent increase from 2023—with French authorities reporting 78 migrant deaths in 2024, the highest since 2018.

Both countries have pledged to intensify efforts against people smuggling networks. The British Home Office said the UK, France, and other European nations are exploring innovative measures to dismantle criminal smuggling operations. In December, the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands agreed to strengthen cooperation against irregular migration.