UK deports Indian man, first under new immigration scheme. Details inside

The UK deported the first person, an Indian, under its new immigration scheme and a treaty with France. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed yet, entered the country illegally on a small boat across the English Channel in August, the UK Home Office said. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood hailed the deportation as a landmark move in the government’s effort to curb illegal migration, saying, “This is an important first step to securing our borders. It sends a message to people crossing in small boats: if you enter the UK illegally, we will seek to remove you."

“I will continue to challenge any last-minute, vexatious attempts to frustrate a removal in the courts. The UK will always play its part in helping those genuinely fleeing persecution, but this must be done through safe, legal, and managed routes – not dangerous crossings," she added.

The British government is expected to offer the deported man a paid-for voluntary return to India. Under the scheme, he cannot apply for asylum in the UK and could face enforced deportation if he does not accept the voluntary return option.

This came amid a rising surge in Indian nationals being detained under the UK’s immigration crackdown.

Trade Secretary Peter Kyle told BBC Breakfast this week's removals were "the first steps and we will be ramping up from here". But he refused to comment on how many people the UK hoped to remove, saying: "We're not going to put a number that would cap our ability to get a grip on this situation."

"Hundreds of illegal immigrants crossed the Channel today alone and Labour want applause for removing just two - both of whom will be replaced," he added.