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After a pause of nearly four weeks without any crossings, more than 700 migrants made their way across the Channel on Saturday, as revealed by the latest figures from the Home Office. Specifically, 737 individuals arrived in Dover via 11 small boats, marking the conclusion of the longest period without any small boat crossings seen in seven years.
This recent influx raises the total number of people who have crossed the Channel so far this year to 40,029. This figure already exceeds the entire total recorded in 2024, when 36,816 people made the journey over the course of the year. Prior to Saturday, the last recorded arrivals happened on 14 November, which had been the longest uninterrupted period without crossings since 2018.
Typically, December experiences fewer crossings, primarily due to adverse weather conditions, which is believed to have played a role in the recent lull. Meanwhile, the UK government has stepped up its measures to address the issue of small boat crossings, though these policies are not expected to produce immediate results. Last week, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy engaged with ministers from other European countries to discuss potential reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights aimed at facilitating the deportation of illegal migrants.
In addition to these diplomatic efforts, domestic policy changes have been introduced. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced in November a series of asylum reforms that would make refugee status in the UK temporary, with reviews every 30 months. Under these proposals, refugees could be required to return home if their country is deemed safe. Since August, the UK and France have operated a “one in, one out” agreement, which by 27 November 2025 had resulted in 153 people being returned to France. A Home Office spokesperson has described the number of small boat crossings as “shameful” and stated, “The British people deserve better.” They added, “This government is taking action. We have removed almost 50,000 people who were here illegally and our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back.
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