More attempts at longer migrant small boat crossings in Channel

More attempts at longer migrant small boat crossings in Channel

Here’s a summary of the key information about people arriving in the UK by small boats:

### Number of Arrivals by Year
– 2018: 299 arrivals
– 2019: 1,843 arrivals
– 2020: 8,462 arrivals
– 2021: 28,526 arrivals
– 2022: 45,755 arrivals (peak)
– 2023: 29,437 arrivals
– 2024: 36,816 arrivals
– 2025: 41,472 arrivals

As of 27 September 2026, 19,135 people have arrived, which is the fifth highest count at this point in the year.

### Trends and Details (2026 year-to-date)
– Between 1 January and 27 September 2026, 19,135 people crossed the English Channel by small boat, a 42% decrease from the same period in 2025.
– Small boat crossings are the most common way for people to enter the UK illegally since 2020.
– Nearly all arrivals claim asylum, permitting them to stay in the country while their applications are processed.
– Small boat arrivals accounted for 40% of all asylum claims between July 2025 and June 2026.
– The average number of people per crossing has increased to 67 (more than doubling since 2021).
– Overcrowding risks have increased — at least 84 deaths during attempts in 2024.
– Small boat arrivals represent about 5% of total immigration into the UK in 2025.
– The UK government has pledged to crack down on the gangs facilitating these crossings.

### Countries of Origin (July 2025 to June 2026)
– Eritrea: 18% of arrivals (approx. 5,875 people)
– Sudan: 4,191 arrivals
– Afghanistan: 4,042 arrivals
– Somalia: 3,901 arrivals
– Iran: 3,657 arrivals

### Additional Notes
– Small boats arrivals are a significant and risky method of attempting to enter the UK.
– Government initiatives aim to target criminal networks responsible.

If you want more detailed statistics, trends for specific years, or focus on particular nationalities, feel free to ask!

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More