France and the United Kingdom have agreed to increase efforts to reduce illegal migration across the English Channel.

After meeting in Le Touquet, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper outlined plans to strengthen security, tighten laws, and improve border control cooperation.

France moves to allow police to intercept boats at sea

For the first time, French authorities are considering a policy change that would let law enforcement stop migrant boats within 300 meters of the shore. Right now, police cannot act at sea, allowing smugglers to operate just off the coast without interference.

Retailleau wanted to bring back the “illegal stay” offense, which was abolished in 2012. This would allow authorities to arrest migrants before they try to cross. “We need to rethink our approach so that we can intercept the boats,” he said.

The goal is to crack down on the “taxi-boat” system, where smugglers wait offshore to pick up migrants from French beaches, making it hard for police to step in.

UK, France extend security agreements

Migration has long caused tension between France and the UK, but recent talks have extended the 2018 Sandhurst Treaty until 2027. Under this deal, Britain funds French border security, and France increases efforts to prevent illegal crossings.

The UK has already pledged over €500 million for border security, including funding detention centers and deploying riot police in busy areas. Cooper stressed that tackling migration requires action not just at the border but across Europe.

Migration numbers rise despite crackdowns

Despite past agreements, illegal crossings remain high. In 2024, nearly 36,800 migrants reached the UK by crossing the Channel, a 25% increase from 2023. The highest number was in 2022, with over 45,000 arrivals.

These crossings are often deadly. At least 73 migrants died last year, and in late 2024, rescuers saved more than 100 in a single day, highlighting the ongoing risks.

France reviews visa policies amid migration concerns

To help control migration, the French government is reviewing its visa policies. In 2024, France issued about 2.8 million visas, more than any other Schengen country. Now, officials plan to audit the system to identify needed changes.

Prime Minister François Bayrou cited migration pressures as a major concern. “Our reception capacity is not designed to meet the integration needs that are arising from the migration dynamic,” he stated.

While no specific changes have been announced, authorities suggested that the audit will guide future restrictions.

Border controls to tighten across France

France is expanding its new “border force” unit, first tested at the Italian border, to patrol multiple borders and reduce illegal migration.

The government is also reviewing its migration cooperation with the UK. In November, Retailleau criticized Britain for not cracking down on illegal employment, arguing that its policies encourage unauthorized work.

Xavier Bertrand, president of France’s northern Hauts-de-France region, went further, warning, “We have to be prepared to say listen, Britons, if things don’t change we’re going to hand your border back.”

His remarks referenced the 2003 Le Touquet Treaty, which allows French and British officials to conduct immigration checks on each other’s soil.

Stricter rules could reshape travel, migration

France’s plan to review visa policies and strengthen border security could soon affect tourists, long-term visitors, and migrants. While details are still unclear, the ongoing audit suggests France may tighten entry requirements.

For tourists and business travelers, these changes come as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is set to launch in 2026. This system will require visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the US, the UK, and Canada, to apply for travel authorization before entering the Schengen Zone. 

Since France processes more visa applications than any other Schengen country, its policies could influence how other EU nations handle short-term stays.

Long-term visitors, such as students and professionals, may face stricter residency rules as France reevaluates its migration policies. In 2024, the country issued over 2.1 million Schengen visas, with most going to applicants from China, Morocco, and Algeria.

If new restrictions are introduced, travelers from these countries may face tougher scrutiny.

For migrants, tighter visa rules and stronger border enforcement—especially at key crossings like the French-Italian border—point to stricter migration controls.

The proposed border force aligns with the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, which will become law next year. This pact focuses on speeding up asylum decisions, deporting those who don’t qualify, and increasing cooperation between EU countries.

Influence on EU immigration policies

France’s stricter approach to migration, visa policies, and border security could influence other Schengen countries.

As a key player in EU decisions, France’s visa review and border enforcement efforts may lead other member states to rethink their own policies.

The plan to restore the “illegal stay” offense aligns with wider European efforts to tighten migration controls. If approved, similar laws could appear in Italy, Spain, and Germany, which also see high migration numbers.

France’s review of its migration cooperation with the UK suggests a possible shift in post-Brexit border policies. If the two countries renegotiate their agreements, it could affect broader EU discussions on managing migration from outside Europe.

As the Schengen Visa Code continues to evolve, France’s visa audit may bring changes to how EU countries handle visa applications. This could mean longer wait times, more rejections, or stricter documentation rules for those seeking entry into France and other Schengen nations.

In the coming months, it will become clear whether France’s policies set a new standard for the EU—or spark further debate on migration policy across Europe.

What lies ahead?

As migration numbers rise and political pressure grows, France and the UK are tightening their policies.

However, it’s unclear whether stricter enforcement and visa rules will significantly cut crossings. Smugglers keep finding new ways to operate, and people continue to seek migration opportunities.

For now, both countries are moving forward with tougher measures that will influence Europe’s migration policies in the years ahead.