Britain has been identified as the “Illegal Immigrant Capital of Europe” in a recent study conducted by Oxford University. The study revealed that one out of every 100 residents in the country is undocumented, raising concerns among officials. The estimated number of illegal migrants in Britain is around 745,000, surpassing all other European countries and more than double the number of asylum seekers in France.
This alarming statistic points to a growing crisis in Britain, which now has the highest rate of undocumented migrants in Europe. The figure includes individuals who have overstayed their visas, failed asylum applicants, and migrants who have made the dangerous journey across the English Channel in small boats.
The number of undocumented migrants in Britain exceeds that of Germany, which has an estimated 700,000, and France, with 300,000. The surge in illegal migration comes at a time when the country’s asylum system is under intense scrutiny. Just last weekend, a record-breaking 973 migrants arrived on British shores in 17 small boats, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The issue of Channel crossings has become a major concern for both the media and government officials. In 2024, hundreds of individuals attempted the perilous journey across the English Channel on the busiest day for migrant arrivals. So far this year, over 26,600 migrants have crossed into the UK, a five per cent increase from 2023. However, this number is still lower than the crossings seen in 2022, which reached over 33,600.
Tragically, these crossings have led to loss of lives. In July, French authorities reported four deaths during attempted crossings, including a two-year-old child who was trampled in an overcrowded boat. A total of 90 migrants were crammed into the small vessel, resulting in a chaotic and deadly situation. Additionally, a woman and two men lost their lives in separate incidents on the same day.
Human trafficking remains a significant concern in these events. An international trafficking ring, believed to be operated by Iraqi Kurds, has been profiting from exploiting migrants crossing the English Channel. The network has generated £5 million in profits, endangering countless lives in the process. A recent sentencing hearing for 22 members of this trafficking network revealed procedural errors that may allow half of the traffickers to escape prosecution.
The UK government is facing mounting pressure to address this crisis, with the Home Office under intense scrutiny. In response, the government has launched initiatives to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking. Labour is developing a Border Security Command to enhance border enforcement, while senior Conservative figures are urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reinstate the £400 million Rwanda Scheme, which would send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing.
The UK, along with other G7 nations, has increased cooperation to combat human trafficking by developing an anti-smuggling action plan. This plan focuses on joint investigations, intelligence sharing, and cracking down on smuggling networks. The Home Office has also partnered with social media companies to monitor online platforms for any content promoting migrant smuggling services.
Overall, the situation of undocumented migrants in Britain is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach involving government action, international cooperation, and public awareness. Addressing the root causes of illegal immigration and human trafficking is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of migrants and upholding the integrity of the immigration system.
