The number of migrants who make their way to the United Kingdom illegally across the English Channel is increasing. So far this year, there have been more than ever recorded before.
During the first half of 2024, British authorities received 13,489 people categorized as migrants in small boats. This is 18 percent more than during the first half of 2023.
In addition to this, labor immigration of people working in the healthcare sector and students has decreased recently. The UK's previous government introduced stricter visa regulations in the spring, explicitly aimed at limiting immigration.
Where the previous Conservative government planned to deport thousands of asylum seekers to Rwanda, the newly elected Labour government promises to "crush the gangs", referring to human traffickers who organize the journeys across the channel.