The United Nations has urged the UK and France to halt their “one-in, one-out” asylum return scheme because it may violate international human rights law. A group of nine UN experts released a letter warning the pilot program could result in cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of people detained before removal, including survivors of torture and trafficking. They also raised serious concerns about arbitrary selection, risks of onward refoulement (sending people back to danger), and a lack of protection for vulnerable individuals — including children and people with mental health issues. The experts have given both governments time to respond. Critics say the policy risks harm and violates legal obligations, while the UK Home Office insists the scheme complies with the law. 

Communication and Legal Support Problems
A report found migrants deported from the UK to France under the scheme often lacked translators and effective legal support, leaving them unable to understand the process or access proper representation. Rights groups and UN experts have criticized this, saying it undermines fairness and due process. 

Modern Slavery Legal Challenges
Court documents show that about 40% of migrants facing deportation to France under the deal are citing modern slavery claims to delay removal. Legal challenges argue the UK government should not block such claims before deportation, and that France may not be meeting its obligations to protect trafficking victims. The UK government contests this.

Reference: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/06/un-uk-and-france-halt-one-in-one-out-asylum-system