Channel migrant crossings for 2025 highest in three years

A total of 41,472 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025; This figure is almost 5,000 more than the previous year.

Home Office figures showed a 13% increase on the 2024 total of 36,566.

This was the highest number since 2022, when nearly 46,000 migrants crossed.

The government says it has already removed 50,000 people who are in the UK illegally and is working more closely with the French government.

No crossings were made for 28 days, from 15 November to 12 December, which some observers attributed to strong winds in the Channel.

Figures from the Home Office showed 737 people arrived on December 13, with more than 600 arriving over the next four days.

A total of 803 people arrived on 13 boats on 21 December; this was a record number in a single day in December.

Their final arrival of 2025 was on 22 December, when 17 were disembarked at Dover.

In November, Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood announced major reforms to the asylum process, describing the current system as follows: “out of control and unfair”.

Changes include: Overseas visas require higher qualifications, immigrants will have to wait longer for residence permit, overseas students will only be allowed to stay for 18 months after graduation, and some immigrants face 20-year wait before being allowed to settle permanently.

A Home Office spokesman said: “The number of small boat services is disgraceful and the British public deserve better.

“This government is taking action. We have removed almost 50,000 people who came here illegally and our historic agreement with the French means those who came in on small boats are now being sent back.”