Nearly 30,000 people have been smuggled into the UK via the English Channel this year

On October 26, the UK Home Office announced that as of October 25, nearly 30,000 people have crossed the English Channel illegally into the UK this year.

On that single day, October 25, a total of 424 individuals made the perilous journey, bringing the overall total for 2023 to 29,578—a figure that has already surpassed last year’s total of 29,437.

This ongoing issue has seen a significant influx of illegal migrants from various African and Middle Eastern regions, who often travel by small boats from countries like France. The UK government has been grappling with the strains this has placed on its asylum system.

According to official statistics, since record-keeping began in 2018, over 100,000 people have entered the UK illegally via small boats across the English Channel. In 2023 alone, the UK allocated £4.3 billion (approximately $5.5 billion) to house refugees and asylum seekers, with £2.5 billion (about $3.2 billion) solely dedicated to providing accommodation.

In an attempt to tackle the illegal immigration crisis, the previous Conservative government introduced the “Rwanda Plan,” which proposed sending illegal migrants arriving in the UK to Rwanda, complete with financial support for the Rwandan government. However, this legislation was overturned by the Labour government that took office in July.

Within the UK, there are varying perspectives on the issue. The UK’s Independent Commission for Aid Impact has cautioned against “unlimited” increases in funding for accommodating asylum seekers, suggesting it exceeds normal responsibilities. Meanwhile, a report by the Refugee Council, a charity organization, highlighted that in just two years, the Home Office has evicted a significant number of asylum seekers from emergency hotel accommodations, leaving many homeless. The organization has urged the government and local authorities to provide additional support for those seeking refuge.