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How many people cross the Channel in small boats and where do they come from? How many people cross the Channel in small boats and where do they come from?
(12 days later)
Nearly 28,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel since the start of year. More than 29,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel since the start of year.
The latest Home Office statistics show that almost two-fifths of those who claimed asylum in the UK in the 12 months to June 2025 arrived via small boat.The latest Home Office statistics show that almost two-fifths of those who claimed asylum in the UK in the 12 months to June 2025 arrived via small boat.
Under a new agreement between the British and French governments, some people who come to the UK this way will be detained and sent back to France.Under a new agreement between the British and French governments, some people who come to the UK this way will be detained and sent back to France.
How many people cross the Channel in small boats?How many people cross the Channel in small boats?
As of 20 August, 27,997 migrants had crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025, up from 18,342 for the same period in 2024. As of 31 August, 29,003 migrants had crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025, up from 21,052 for the same period in 2024.
It means more than 50,000 migrants have come to the UK via this route in the 403 days since Labour came to power in July 2024.It means more than 50,000 migrants have come to the UK via this route in the 403 days since Labour came to power in July 2024.
It is not the first time that the 50,000 threshold has been passed in 403 days. However, it is not the first time that the 50,000 threshold has been passed in that time frame.
Between 8 October 2021 and 14 November 2022 - under the previous Conservative government - there were 53,587 small boat arrivals. There were 53,587 small boat arrivals between 8 October 2021 and 14 November 2022, under the previous Conservative government.
In 2024 as a whole, nearly 37,000 people were detected making the crossing - 25% more than in 2023.In 2024 as a whole, nearly 37,000 people were detected making the crossing - 25% more than in 2023.
The highest yearly total was recorded in 2022, when 45,755 people arrived.The highest yearly total was recorded in 2022, when 45,755 people arrived.
More than 170,000 people have arrived in small boats since figures were first recorded in 2018. More than 180,000 people have arrived in small boats since figures were first recorded in 2018.
Small boat arrivals are a small percentage of the UK's overall immigration figure. In 2024, an estimated 948,000 people arrived expecting to stay at least a year. An estimated 517,000 people left the country.Small boat arrivals are a small percentage of the UK's overall immigration figure. In 2024, an estimated 948,000 people arrived expecting to stay at least a year. An estimated 517,000 people left the country.
A decade of small boat migrants: How did it begin?A decade of small boat migrants: How did it begin?
Why do Channel migrants want to come to the UK?Why do Channel migrants want to come to the UK?
Record number of lone children on small boatsRecord number of lone children on small boats
How will the new 'one in, one out' deal work? How does the 'one in, one out' deal work?
UK officials can make referrals for returns to France within three days of someone's arrival by small boat. Under a pilot scheme which began in August, UK officials can make referrals for returns to France within three days of someone's arrival by small boat.
French authorities can then identify the same number of asylum seekers currently in France who intend to come to the UK but have not tried to cross.French authorities can then identify the same number of asylum seekers currently in France who intend to come to the UK but have not tried to cross.
Those who pass security and eligibility checks can be relocated to the UK and given three months to claim asylum or apply for a visa. They would not be allowed to work, study or have access to benefits in this time. Those who pass security and eligibility checks can be relocated to the UK and given three months to claim asylum or apply for a visa. They are not allowed to work, study or have access to benefits during this time.
It has been reported that 50 people a week could be selected. The pilot scheme is expected to last for 11 months. Reports suggested that 50 people a week could be selected, but the government has not confirmed that figure. The pilot is expected to last for 11 months.
Critics - including the Conservatives - say the numbers expected to be returned to France would be a small proportion of those crossing. Critics - including the Conservatives - say the numbers returned to France are likely to be a very small proportion of those crossing.
Earlier in August, a government source told the BBC that several dozen migrants had already been detained under the new agreement. They did not provide a specific number or say when they might be returned. At the start of September Home Secretary Yvette Cooper declined to say how many people had been sent back to France so far, arguing that the scheme was in the "first phase" and part of a "step-by-step" approach.
Thousands cross Channel in small boats since new migrant deal with FranceThousands cross Channel in small boats since new migrant deal with France
What other measures has the government introduced to cut numbers?What other measures has the government introduced to cut numbers?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says his government's primary tactic is to "smash" the gangs trafficking people for huge profits. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says the government's primary tactic is to "smash" the gangs trafficking people for huge profits.
In July, it announced that 25 people including gang leaders and small boat suppliers had had their assets frozen and were banned from travelling to the UK. In July, it announced that 25 people including gang leaders and small boat suppliers had had their assets frozen and been banned from travelling to the UK.
The government has also announced £100m to fund 300 National Crime Agency Officers to stop people-smugglers arranging the crossings. An extra 300 National Crime Agency officers will target the people-smugglers arranging the crossings, and a new Border Security Command body will work closely with the Home office, police, immigration enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Ministers are also spending £150m on a new Border Security Command. The UK is also paying France almost £500m over three years - as agreed by the previous Conservative government - to fund extra officers on the French coast.
The UK is paying France almost £500m over three years, as agreed by the previous Conservative government, to fund extra officers on the French coast charged with stopping crossing. Toughened rules mean it is now almost impossible for anyone who arrives in the UK on a small boat to become a British citizen.
To deter crossings, rules were toughened to make it almost impossible for anyone who arrives in the UK on a small boat to become a British citizen. In August the government said it would overhaul the asylum appeals system as part of efforts to cut the number of migrants staying in hotels while they await a ruling.
The charity Asylum Matters has argued for a complete rethink, saying: "The only way to stop people from making dangerous journeys is to give them real safe routes to seek sanctuary." In September it said it was suspending new applications to the scheme which lets refugees bring their family members to the UK. They will have to meet the same criteria as other migrants who want their dependants to come, including salary, accommodation and English language requirements.
It also warned foreign students that they will be removed if they stay in the UK after their visas expire.
The charity Asylum Matters has argued for a complete rethink of the government's asylum policy, saying: "The only way to stop people from making dangerous journeys is to give them real safe routes to seek sanctuary."
Is the government meeting its pledges on illegal immigration and asylum?Is the government meeting its pledges on illegal immigration and asylum?
Extra 300 officers to tackle small boat people smuggling How achievable is Reform's plan on migration?
Chris Mason: Starmer faces pressure to deliver as he tries to strike contrast with Reform
How many people die crossing the Channel?How many people die crossing the Channel?
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency, tracks the number of people who die attempting to cross the Channel.The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency, tracks the number of people who die attempting to cross the Channel.
Its figures include people who were travelling to a crossing point and died in other circumstances, such as car crashes or because of medical issues.Its figures include people who were travelling to a crossing point and died in other circumstances, such as car crashes or because of medical issues.
The IOM estimates that at least 82 migrants died in 2024, making it the deadliest year on record.The IOM estimates that at least 82 migrants died in 2024, making it the deadliest year on record.
As at 11 August it said that at least 20 people had died on this route in 2025. That takes the total number of migrants who have lost their lives since 2018 to 249.As at 11 August it said that at least 20 people had died on this route in 2025. That takes the total number of migrants who have lost their lives since 2018 to 249.
The Refugee Council has said that the dangers of crossings have increased, with more people crammed into less seaworthy boats.The Refugee Council has said that the dangers of crossings have increased, with more people crammed into less seaworthy boats.
Man dies crossing English ChannelMan dies crossing English Channel
RNLI crew defends 'compassionate' migrant rescuesRNLI crew defends 'compassionate' migrant rescues
Who is crossing the Channel in small boats?Who is crossing the Channel in small boats?
The latest Home Office figures show that Afghans were the top nationality arriving via this route in the year to June 2025, accounting for 15% of all small boat arrivals (6,400).The latest Home Office figures show that Afghans were the top nationality arriving via this route in the year to June 2025, accounting for 15% of all small boat arrivals (6,400).
Eritrea made up the second largest group with 5,975 arrivals, followed by people from Iran, Syria, Sudan and Vietnam.Eritrea made up the second largest group with 5,975 arrivals, followed by people from Iran, Syria, Sudan and Vietnam.
In the year to June 2025, 88% of all so-called "irregular arrivals" to the UK came across the English Channel.In the year to June 2025, 88% of all so-called "irregular arrivals" to the UK came across the English Channel.
Of the 111,984 people who claimed asylum in the period, 39% (43,600) arrived this way.Of the 111,984 people who claimed asylum in the period, 39% (43,600) arrived this way.
The Home Office can remove people with no legal right to stay in the UK, or refuse to let them enter. But the 1951 Refugee Convention establishes the right to claim asylum in a foreign state if an applicant can prove they face a serious threat to life or freedom in their country of origin.The Home Office can remove people with no legal right to stay in the UK, or refuse to let them enter. But the 1951 Refugee Convention establishes the right to claim asylum in a foreign state if an applicant can prove they face a serious threat to life or freedom in their country of origin.
There are some exceptions for serious criminals who can be legitimately turned away.There are some exceptions for serious criminals who can be legitimately turned away.
In the year ending June 2025, 2,330 people who had arrived by small boat we returned to their home country, 7% fewer than in the previous 12-month period.In the year ending June 2025, 2,330 people who had arrived by small boat we returned to their home country, 7% fewer than in the previous 12-month period.
The vast majority (75%) were Albanian nationals. Turkish and Iraqi nationals were the two next most common nationalities, together accounting for 12% of small boat returns.The vast majority (75%) were Albanian nationals. Turkish and Iraqi nationals were the two next most common nationalities, together accounting for 12% of small boat returns.
Between 2018 and June 2025, 6,313 people who came to the UK in small boats were returned to their home country - about 4% of the total who arrived this way.Between 2018 and June 2025, 6,313 people who came to the UK in small boats were returned to their home country - about 4% of the total who arrived this way.
Smuggler reveals operation to help Vietnamese reach UKSmuggler reveals operation to help Vietnamese reach UK
People smuggler advertised Channel boat crossings on FacebookPeople smuggler advertised Channel boat crossings on Facebook
How do UK small boat arrivals compare with those to Europe?How do UK small boat arrivals compare with those to Europe?
There were almost 189,000 arrivals by sea in Europe during 2024, with Italy receiving more than a third.There were almost 189,000 arrivals by sea in Europe during 2024, with Italy receiving more than a third.
Greece and Spain also received large numbers.Greece and Spain also received large numbers.
As at 10 August, there had been 82,419 arrivals by sea since the start of 2025, with the majority recorded in Italy.As at 10 August, there had been 82,419 arrivals by sea since the start of 2025, with the majority recorded in Italy.
In the year ending September 2024, 1.1 million people claimed asylum in the EU and European Economic Area (EEA), down 3% compared with the previous year.In the year ending September 2024, 1.1 million people claimed asylum in the EU and European Economic Area (EEA), down 3% compared with the previous year.
Germany received the most applicants - 294,415. France was second (162,390) followed by Italy (162,305) and Spain (161,470).Germany received the most applicants - 294,415. France was second (162,390) followed by Italy (162,305) and Spain (161,470).