Channel migrant crossings for 2025 highest in three years

Channel migrant crossings for 2025 highest in three years

In 2025, the number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats reached a total of 41,472, marking an increase of nearly 5,000 compared to the previous year. According to figures released by the Home Office, this represents a 13% rise from the 36,566 crossings recorded in 2024. This level of activity is the highest since 2022 when almost 46,000 migrants successfully made the crossing.

The government has emphasized its efforts to manage the situation, noting that it has already removed around 50,000 individuals who were residing in the UK illegally. Additionally, closer collaboration with the French authorities is underway to address the issue and curb the number of arrivals by boat. Despite this, the crossings have continued, with varied daily totals throughout the year.

There was a noticeable period of 28 days without any crossings between 15 November and 12 December, a lull that some observers linked to adverse weather conditions and strong winds in the Channel. However, activity surged again shortly after, with 737 people arriving on 13 December, followed by over 600 more in the subsequent four days. On 21 December, a record daily figure for the month was set, with 803 individuals arriving via 13 boats. The last recorded arrivals for the year occurred on 22 December, when 17 migrants were brought ashore at Dover.

Responding to the situation, a Home Office spokesperson stated, “The number of small boat crossings are shameful and the British people deserve better.” The spokesperson 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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