The agreement between France and Britain to return migrants has been signed and will begin to be implemented, drawing criticism from French officials and aid organizations.

The agreement provides for the return of migrants arriving in Britain by small boats to France in exchange for the transfer of migrants on French territory. The UK Home Office said it would detain the first migrants in the coming days, although it did not specify how many. The agreement, which will run until June 2026, has sparked controversy in France and criticism from aid organizations that the deal contravenes international refugee protection standards.