Channel Migrant Crossings Decrease in 2023, According to Government Figures
Migrant Channel crossings decreased in 2023, with government data indicating a 36% reduction from 2022, marking the first annual decline since tracking began.
The year saw 29,437 arrivals, with the last on December 16 involving 55 individuals on a single boat. While August witnessed total migrants exceed 100,000 since 2018, the ISU warns this dip may be temporary and advises continued preparation for higher numbers.
The UK government, per Immigration Minister Michael Tomlinson, remains focused on dismantling human trafficking networks and collaborating with France to prevent crossings.
Notably, 2023's figures still surpassed 2021's count of 28,526 migrants. Critically, Nigel Farage highlighted that severe weather, not policy changes, prevented holiday crossings and insisted on rigorous enforcement and the discontinuation of what he termed as the UK acting as a "taxi service."
Despite the perilous nature of the English Channel route, migrants, often from destitute regions, continue to seek asylum upon arrival. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has prioritized stopping these crossings without specifying a deadline.
The government plans to introduce laws aimed at detaining and swiftly deporting illegal arrivals, further underlined by the controversial, yet-to-be-implemented Rwanda policy. New legislation is set to be presented in January after a treaty was signed with Rwanda to address legal concerns.
The UK government, per Immigration Minister Michael Tomlinson, remains focused on dismantling human trafficking networks and collaborating with France to prevent crossings.
Notably, 2023's figures still surpassed 2021's count of 28,526 migrants. Critically, Nigel Farage highlighted that severe weather, not policy changes, prevented holiday crossings and insisted on rigorous enforcement and the discontinuation of what he termed as the UK acting as a "taxi service."
Despite the perilous nature of the English Channel route, migrants, often from destitute regions, continue to seek asylum upon arrival. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has prioritized stopping these crossings without specifying a deadline.
The government plans to introduce laws aimed at detaining and swiftly deporting illegal arrivals, further underlined by the controversial, yet-to-be-implemented Rwanda policy. New legislation is set to be presented in January after a treaty was signed with Rwanda to address legal concerns.
