The Home Office confirmed the scheme is ongoing, with further details to be provided as the situation develops.

There is also a review into the use of taxis for transporting asylum seekers to medical appointments, following reports of high costs and extensive use.

The UK has begun implementing a new 'one in, one out' deal with France, marking the first arrival of a family of three under this scheme, which aims to deter small boat crossings by deporting migrants crossing the Channel in exchange for approved applicants from France.

This pilot scheme, initially set to run until June 2026, involves increasing deportations and aims to demonstrate that illegal crossings will lead to immediate return, with a focus on adults and excluding children from detention.

The scheme is part of broader efforts to curb illegal crossings, with the UK government emphasizing strict documentation, eligibility, and security checks, and cooperation with France to establish a legal migration route.

The move follows political pressure and international comments, including Donald Trump suggesting military intervention, though UK officials believe military action would be ineffective due to logistical challenges.

The government states that travel by protected individuals, such as those with refugee travel cards, usually excludes travel to their country of origin or where they sought asylum, and returning may trigger a review of their protection status.

Travel to countries other than the country of origin or asylum could lead to a review of a person's protection status, but the government did not comment on individual cases.

Critics, including opposition figures and rights groups, argue the scheme is ineffective, with some suggesting the need for safe legal routes and criticizing the limited number of removals so far.

Recent legal challenges have temporarily blocked deportations of some asylum seekers, including an Eritrean man, with courts granting a 14-day reprieve for claims of modern slavery.

The government describes the scheme as a critical step to send a message to people-smuggling gangs that illegal entry will not be tolerated, emphasizing detention and removal of such migrants.

Charity representatives, including the Refugee Council, welcomed the scheme as a safer alternative to risking lives in small boats, highlighting that safe legal routes help protect families and weaken people-smuggling gangs.

Many migrants attempt dangerous crossings in overcrowded boats, with dozens dying in recent years, underscoring the perilous nature of the journey.