On August 5, 2025, the government published a brief statement of changes to the Immigration Rules, introducing a new “Appendix UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme”.
This follows the announcement on August 4, 2025 that a new agreement with France has come into force, allowing the UK to detain and return to France any asylum seekers who cross the Channel by small boat.
Under the ‘one-in, one-out’ pilot scheme, an equal number of migrants will be eligible to come to the UK through a new route if they have not attempted an illegal crossing before – subject to full documentation and security and eligibility checks.
The new appendix sets out: who is eligible for this Scheme, how they must apply for it, and the requirements they must meet before their application may be granted. The Rules also set out the circumstances under which permission may be cancelled.
The Scheme will open for a time-limited application window and is restricted to those in France at the time. The Scheme allows for adults and family groups of parents and children from all nationalities (bar a national of an EEA Member State or to those who enjoy free movement rights as a family member of an EEA national) to express an interest in coming to the UK. Those whose application is approved and who meet security checks will be able to come to the UK for three months to consider how to regularise their stay in the UK.
The treaty governing the pilot scheme will remain in force until June 2026, and over this period both countries have committed to continually review and improve the process and effectiveness of this innovative approach, pending decisions on the long-term future of the arrangements after June 2026.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.