UK Pays £56,000 Per Migrant Return Under One In One Out Scheme 2026

The UK government's one in, one out migrant return scheme is costing taxpayers approximately £56,000 for each person sent back to France, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has revealed. The disclosure came during a tense session with the home affairs select committee, where MPs questioned whether the controversial pilot delivers value for money.

Since the scheme began in August 2025, about 1,400 people have been removed to France, though some have reportedly returned to the UK via lorries or small boats. The arrangement, which exchanges a small boat arrival for an asylum seeker entering through legal routes, has already been extended once and is now set to run until October.

How the One In One Out Scheme Works

Under the bilateral deal, the UK sends a person who arrives by small boats back to France. In return, the UK accepts an asylum seeker who is applying through a legal route. This quid pro quo approach aims to deter illegal crossings while offering a legal pathway for those in need.

However, the high cost per return has raised eyebrows. Mahmood defended the expense, arguing it is "still cheaper, or just about the same as supporting someone in a hotel for a year." Yet critics question whether the scheme is sustainable, especially as France pushes for a broader EU-UK returns agreement to replace the current pilot.

Cost Comparison: Scheme vs. Alternatives

To assess the scheme's value, consider the following cost breakdown:

While the per-person cost is high, it is comparable to housing an asylum seeker in a hotel for a year. The government argues that the scheme also disrupts people-smuggling networks and reduces the pull factor for illegal crossings.

Key Takeaways for Taxpayers

• High per-person cost: £56,000 per return is a significant expense, but it aligns with hotel accommodation costs.
• Limited scale: Only 1,400 returns so far, with some individuals returning to the UK, raising questions about effectiveness.
• Political pressure: France seeks a wider EU-UK deal, but post-Brexit negotiations have stalled.
• Long-term uncertainty: The pilot runs until October, with its future undecided.

The Broader Debate: Value for Money?

Critics argue that the scheme is a costly stopgap that fails to address the root causes of migration. They point out that some returned individuals have already come back to the UK, undermining the deterrent effect. Others question why the UK is paying France to take back people who transited through safe countries.

Supporters counter that any measure that reduces the number of small boat crossings is worth the investment. They also highlight that the scheme provides a legal route for vulnerable asylum seekers, which is a humanitarian plus.

Mahmood dismissed suggestions of an EU-wide returns deal, stating that post-Brexit attempts have been rejected by EU leaders. The Dublin agreement, which previously facilitated returns, no longer applies to the UK.

FAQ

As the pilot continues until October, its long-term viability remains uncertain. France is pushing for a wider EU-UK returns deal, but the UK's post-Brexit stance complicates negotiations. For now, taxpayers will foot the bill as the government seeks to balance migration control with humanitarian obligations.

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