More than 1,000 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats from France to the UK over two days last week, according to the British Home Office. The arrivals happened on Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, as migrants made dangerous journeys across one of the world’s busiest sea routes.
On Friday, 437 people arrived in seven boats, and on Saturday, 583 people came in eight boats. This brought the total number of arrivals in just one week to 2,083, the Home Office said. For the year so far, the number of Channel crossings has reached 18,400, up from 12,644 at the same time last year.
In comparison, the total for the same period in 2023 was 10,601, and in 2022, it was 11,739. These figures show that the number of migrants using small boats to reach the UK is continuing to grow, despite tougher efforts by both British and French authorities.
Why are so many migrants crossing the Channel?
Many migrants choose to come to the UK because they speak English, have family in the country, or believe the UK offers better chances for asylum and work, according to the Associated Press. But the British government says the growing number of arrivals shows the situation is getting worse.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently said the problem in the Channel was “deteriorating.” He also warned that the UK may soon limit visas for countries that do not help return migrants whose asylum requests are denied. This could affect international relations and immigration policies.
Meanwhile, France is under pressure to stop more crossings. Pictures shared last week showed French police using tear gas on migrants near Calais and Dunkirk to stop them from getting on boats. But some reports also showed police standing by as migrants entered the water.
Despite these actions, the crossings continue. At the beginning of the month, the UK repeated its request for French police to block migrants in shallow waters before they get on boats. But smugglers are still able to send people across the Channel.
The route across the Channel remains dangerous and heavily used. Even with new policies, joint patrols, and talks between the UK and France, smugglers continue to take advantage of migrants who are desperate for a better life.