Cost of Returning Small-Boat Migrants under One In, One Out Deal Reaches £78 Million

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

The UK government has spent approximately £78 million to return over 1,400 small-boat migrants to France under its "one in, one out" agreement, with each deportation now costing about £56,000. The rising expenses have prompted concerns about the cost-effectiveness of the policy as discussions continue on how best to manage Channel crossings and asylum processes.

The cost of returning small-boat migrants to France under the UK government’s "one in, one out" agreement has reached an estimated £78 million, according to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. This figure reflects the expenses incurred from deporting more than 1,400 migrants since the deal’s implementation, with each repatriation now averaging approximately £56,000.

The arrangement, which involves returning one migrant to France for every asylum seeker accepted into the United Kingdom, aims to manage the flow of small-boat crossings across the English Channel. As part of the deal, the UK has received around 1,100 asylum seekers from France. However, the reported total cost does not include the expenses related to accommodating and processing those individuals.

Earlier estimates suggested that each return operation cost less than £50,000, but updated figures presented by Mahmood to Members of Parliament indicate a significant increase in per-person expenditure. The higher costs have raised questions about the financial sustainability and efficiency of the current approach to handling Channel crossings.

The government has maintained that the "one in, one out" scheme is a vital part of its broader strategy to deter dangerous journeys and disrupt human smuggling networks. Nonetheless, the rising costs have drawn scrutiny from opposition parties and migrant advocacy groups, who argue that funds might be better allocated toward long-term asylum system reform or support services.

The UK and French governments have collaborated in recent years to strengthen border enforcement and improve mechanisms for handling asylum seekers crossing the Channel. Despite these efforts, small-boat arrivals have continued to increase, prompting ongoing debates about the most effective and humane ways to manage migration.

As the debate over migration policy persists, the financial implications of the "one in, one out" deal remain a focal point for policymakers assessing the trade-offs between border control, international cooperation, and the costs borne by taxpayers.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.