Record Number of Migrants Cross English Channel in 2024

A record number of 9,681 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats in the first five months of 2024. This is 41% higher than last year, urging the UK Home Office to expedite flights to Rwanda to address the situation. The UK is collaborating with French authorities to prevent these dangerous crossings.

In 2024, a record number of 9,681 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats within the first five months of the year.

This figure is 41% higher than the same period last year and surpasses the previous record of 9,607 set in 2022.

The UK Home Office highlighted the urgency of their plans to start flights to Rwanda to handle the situation.

The Home Office is working with French authorities to prevent these risky journeys.

Despite a 36% drop in total arrivals in 2023 compared to 2022, the early 2024 figures suggest increasing challenges.