UN refugee agency welcomes pilot initiative by UK, France to manage channel crossings

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on Thursday welcomed a new pilot initiative announced by the UK and France to address irregular channel crossings, calling it "an important initiative” that, if properly implemented, could "offer alternatives to dangerous journeys, while upholding access to asylum."

Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR's Regional Director for Europe, said the initiative could lead to a "more managed and shared approach" to refugee and migrant movements between the two countries.

"Principled cooperation between states is more essential than ever to ensure they are protected," he added.

According to UNHCR, the plan would see some people arriving irregularly in the UK returned to France, where they could apply for asylum. In turn, an equivalent number of individuals would be voluntarily and lawfully transferred from France to the UK to claim asylum.

While operational details remain unclear, Leclerc emphasized that if conducted in line with international law and safeguards, the scheme could demonstrate "a shared responsibility and commitment to supporting people fleeing war, violence and persecution."

UNHCR noted that 2024 was the deadliest year on record for channel crossings, with at least 86 deaths. So far in 2025, more than 21,000 people have made the crossing, and at least 14 lives have been lost.

The agency also warned that focusing only on channel routes risks ignoring broader drivers of forced displacement.

"Global aid cuts, now biting, risk fueling instability and desperation," it said, urging comprehensive action across migration routes and expanded legal pathways to protection.