This year, over 10,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel

By Larry John Brown

Published: June 4, 2022 | 1:26 PM GMT

Despite the possibility of deportation to Rwanda, more than 10,000 migrants have crossed the Channel this year.

Official estimates reveal that the number of would-be refugees coming by dinghy is more than double that of this time last year.

The record arrivals have continued this week, despite the fact that the first rejected asylum seekers were told they’d be sent on a one-way aircraft to East Africa, prompting hunger strikes and suicide attempts in detention centers.

It has reignited fears that the government’s flagship effort to prevent human smuggling is doomed to fail.

‘If the goal of the Rwanda plan was to dissuade people going across the Channel, it’s not actually working,’ said former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib on Talk TV yesterday.

‘Since they announced it, we’ve experienced a surge in visitors.’ We need to put a halt to those crossing the Channel illegally.’

According to the Ministry of Defence, 139 migrants in six boats crossed the Dover Strait on Thursday, the narrowest portion of the Channel.

Border Force agents pulled dozens more ashore at Dover, bringing the total for the week to above 600.

So far this year, 10,057 migrants have been apprehended. Last year, the number of small boat arrivals was just over 4,200 at this time, and the 10,000 mark was not surpassed until August.

The Home Office has sent’removal warnings’ to almost 100 persons suspected of crossing the Channel illegally in dinghies, stating that they will be deported to Rwanda.

The first flight is scheduled to take off on June 14, although legal hurdles are expected at the last minute.

Over the controversial policy, a group of 17 unsuccessful asylum seekers at Brook House detention centre near Gatwick airport launched a five-day hunger strike, while others are claimed to have tried suicide.

According to data from the Home Office, the number of migrants coming by dinghy has increased dramatically.

In 2018, just 299 tiny boats were recorded crossing the Channel, rising to 1,843 in 2019. By 2020, it had risen to 8,466 people, and by last year, it had risen to 28,526.

Despite the government’s efforts to crack down, there are fears that 2022 will be another record-breaking year, with more than 10,000 so far.

About Larry John Brown

Larry John is a talented writer and journalist based in New York, USA. He is a valued contributor to TDPel Media, where he creates engaging and informative content for readers. Larry has a keen interest in current events, business, and technology, and he enjoys exploring these topics in-depth to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the issues. His writing style is characterized by its clarity, precision, and attention to detail, which make his articles a pleasure to read. Larry’s passion for storytelling has earned him a reputation as a skilled writer and a respected authority in his field.