People detained after arriving in small boat expected to be returned within three weeks, says Home Office
Migrants who arrived in the UK on a small boat have been detained for the first time under Keir Starmer’s “one in, one out” deal and are expected to be returned within three weeks, the Home Office has said.
Detentions began on Wednesday lunchtime, with those identified in the Channel boat being held in immigration removal centres pending their removal.
The UK would make referrals to France within three days, and the French authorities would be expected to respond within 14 days, officials said.
From Wednesday, a small proportion of migrants arriving on small boats will be selected for removal to France and in return, Britain will accept an equal number of asylum seekers from France.
