The number of people crossing the English Channel in small boats has surpassed 4,000 so far this year, according to the latest figures from the Home Office.
On Sunday alone, 237 migrants made the journey in four boats, bringing the provisional total for 2025 to 4,131.
The crossings have continued into the new week, with groups of people wearing life jackets seen arriving in Dover, Kent, after being brought ashore by Border Force vessels.
The ongoing arrivals coincide with a parliamentary debate on Monday regarding a proposal to suspend both legal and illegal migration for five years. The debate was triggered by a public petition, which gathered more than 219,000 signatures, calling for a temporary halt to immigration due to concerns about its impact on the country.
Under parliamentary rules, any petition that surpasses 100,000 signatures is considered for debate. Security Minister Dan Jarvis is expected to represent the government during discussions.
The government has defended its approach, arguing that it is taking firm action to reduce both illegal migration and overall net migration while avoiding the economic damage that a complete suspension of immigration could cause.
Business leaders in London have voiced concerns over stricter immigration controls, warning that imposing a blanket minimum salary requirement of £38,700 for UK work visas could harm businesses already struggling to recruit skilled workers.
The number of people reaching the UK by boat has increased by 23% compared to the same period in 2024 when 3,358 arrivals were recorded. The figure is also 33% higher than in 2023 and nearly double the total in 2022.
The highest number of arrivals on a single day this year occurred on March 2, when 592 people made the crossing in 11 boats. So far in March, 2,075 migrants have arrived in the UK.
As the crossings continue, the UK and France have signed a new agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation to combat people smuggling.
The Home Office has reiterated its commitment to tackling illegal migration, stating that new legislation will provide additional enforcement powers and tougher penalties for smuggling gangs.
