‘I don’t have a life’: man sent to France in ‘one in, one out’ refugee scheme tells of return to UK
An asylum seeker who returned to the UK after being sent back to France under the 'one in, one out' scheme describes his desperate situation. He is currently in hiding and aware of at least 18 others who have also returned covertly. The scheme, intended to deter small boat crossings, has not stopped many asylum seekers from finding alternative routes to the UK.
- ▪The asylum seeker returned to the UK in a lorry after being sent back to France.
- ▪He reported being beaten by smugglers and fears for his safety if returned to France.
- ▪The 'one in, one out' scheme has seen thousands of asylum seekers continue to cross the Channel despite its intentions.
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The asylum seeker, who arrived back in the UK on a lorry, says he rarely leaves the room where a friend has offered him shelter. Photograph: Edward George/Alamy (posed by model)View image in fullscreenThe asylum seeker, who arrived back in the UK on a lorry, says he rarely leaves the room where a friend has offered him shelter. Photograph: Edward George/Alamy (posed by model)Immigration and asylum‘I don’t have a life’: man sent to France in ‘one in, one out’ refugee scheme tells of return to UKExclusive: ‘Desperate’ man, in hiding after returning in a lorry, says he knows of 18 others from scheme who live in Britain covertlyDiane TaylorSat 23 May 2026 07.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 23 May 2026 07.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAn asylum seeker sent from the UK back to France under…
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