Migrant crossing number exceeds fourteen thousand eight hundred

(MENAFN) More than 1,100 people crossed the English Channel in small boats on Saturday, pushing this year’s total migrant arrivals to 14,808, according to official figures. This marks a record pace despite a range of measures introduced by both UK and French authorities to deter such journeys.

French coastal services reportedly rescued close to 200 individuals attempting the dangerous crossing between late Friday and Saturday night. Although the latest surge falls short of the highest daily figure — 1,300 arrivals recorded in September 2022 — it still presents a major challenge for British leaders.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey described the latest influx as “shocking,” amid growing concerns over border security and immigration policy.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer now faces mounting pressure as his government attempts to take a firmer stance on unauthorized migration. The sharp increase in crossings is likely to test his administration, especially as opposition from far-right political forces intensifies. These groups have been calling for drastic cuts to immigration numbers, placing added strain on the current government.

While 2023 saw a decline in small boat arrivals following record-breaking figures in 2022, the trend reversed last year with over 36,000 crossings. This year, the volume of people arriving via the Channel surpassed 10,000 in April — the earliest this milestone has ever been reached since the route became frequently used in 2018.

In response, Starmer introduced a series of stricter immigration controls earlier this month. These include extending the period migrants must wait before becoming eligible for permanent residency and granting new authority to deport foreign nationals convicted of crimes. Analysts see these policies as part of a broader effort to regain voter trust and counter the growing popularity of the hard-right Reform party.

France has also committed to enhancing its border enforcement by allowing patrol officers to catch migrant boats in shallow waters. However, once a boat is underway, they are unable to stop it.

“We've got the agreement [with the French] that they will change the way they work,” Healey said in an interview on Sunday.

These developments highlight the ongoing challenges European governments face in managing irregular migration amid political pressure and humanitarian concerns.

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