A new report reveals the UK’s new “one in, one out” asylum policy is sending modern slavery survivors back to danger. The findings raise major human rights concerns and highlight the risks of deporting survivors of trafficking and people in severe distress.
“I fell into the trap of a human trafficking network”
One Iranian asylum seeker, deported to France in September and now back in UK detention, says he fled France out of fear for his life. He told the Guardian,
“If I had felt that France was safe for me, I would never have returned to the UK. The smugglers are very dangerous. They always carry weapons and knives. I fell into the trap of a human trafficking network in the forests of France before I crossed to the UK the first time.”
His story mirrors those of other asylum seekers interviewed by Humans for Rights Network (HFRN). Many who were removed to France now say they live in fear and uncertainty. Four of the interviewees reported being victims of modern slavery. “Two having experienced it in Libya, one in Ethiopia and one in Yemen.”
Additionally, several others displayed serious depression, suicidal thoughts, and physical disabilities. “Overwhelmingly these men were distressed and confused,” the report stated.
Modern slavery survivors among the deported
Under the UK-France “one in, one out” deal, UK authorities remove asylum seekers who arrive by small boats to France. Then the scheme accepts an equal number from France through a legal route. So far, the UK has deported 42 people and received 23 in return.
HFRN’s director, Maddie Harris, said:
“We regularly hear from people who have spent time in France, passing through Dunkirk and Calais to get to the UK, that they have witnessed or experienced violence and exploitation perpetrated by smugglers and traffickers. This includes people being forced or coerced into steering a boat, the use of physical violence, servitude, beatings, stabbings, and sexual violence.”
Frustratingly, multiple testimonies show returnees are struggling to access legal aid, healthcare, or protection from traffickers. A spokesperson for Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group said: “People tell us they may risk their lives again and undertake unsafe journeys through desperation.”
Policies like “one in, one out” risk sending trafficking survivors back into danger. Further, it undermines the UK’s commitment to protecting victims of modern slavery. As HFRN warned, “many of the men they engaged with have significant case facts indicating their removal should never have taken place.”
The “one-in-one-out” policy is just another cruel anti-immigration mechanism to endanger vulnerable people and empower traffickers. The only acceptable migration policies are those that treat individuals with dignity and uphold fundamental human rights. Stand with Freedom United and demand that this cruel “one in, one out” scheme is abolished, and that genuine, anti-trafficking safe routes be implemented now.
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