Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Data released by the UK Home Office on January 1st shows that 41,472 illegal immigrants crossed the English Channel to reach the UK in 2025, a significant increase from 36,566 in 2024, marking a new high since 2023.
The data shows that the progress of illegal immigration across the Channel in 2025 was significantly affected by weather. From November 15th to December 12th, strong winds in the English Channel resulted in no illegal crossings. However, after the winds subsided, the number of illegal immigrants arriving rebounded rapidly. On December 13th alone, 737 people disembarked, followed by over 600 more in the next four days. On December 21st, a record high of 803 people arrived on 13 boats. The last group of illegal immigrants in 2025, totaling 17 people, disembarked at Dover Port on December 22nd.
Faced with the continued severe border situation, the British government has taken multiple measures. The Home Office stated that since the Labour Party came to power in July 2024, it has repatriated approximately 50,000 illegal residents in the UK and reached a historic cooperation agreement with France to expedite the repatriation of illegal immigrants arriving by boat from France through a one-to-one exchange mechanism.
Furthermore, the British government will launch a large-scale reform of its immigration system in November 2025. Home Secretary Mahmoud announced that the current asylum system is "out of control and unfair." After the reform, the post-graduation stay for overseas students will be shortened to 18 months, some immigrants will have to wait 20 years for permanent residency, and the waiting time for permanent residency for illegal immigrants and those who overstay their visas can be as long as 30 years.
A spokesperson for the Home Office emphasized that the government is using a comprehensive approach, including international cooperation, law enforcement, and policy reforms, to ensure border security. (End)
