In 2025, the UK saw over 41,000 individuals arriving by small boat, according to the Home Office. The data revealed a total of 41,472 people undertaking the risky voyage, marking a 13% increase from the previous year’s 36,816, although still below the record set in 2022 at 45,774. The trend of small boat crossings has notably surged since only 299 arrivals were noted in 2018.
Recent reports by The Mirror unveiled that 36 individuals lost their lives attempting to reach the UK from France in 2025, a decrease from the 78 fatalities recorded in 2024. Tragically, among the deceased were a mother and her eight-year-old daughter, identified as Kazaq Ezra and Agdad Hilmi, who tragically perished in a small boat accident in May.
Data indicates that May 31 marked the day with the highest number of arrivals, with 1,195 people successfully reaching the UK. Various measures have been introduced by the Government to reduce these crossings, including significant changes to asylum policies and a collaborative agreement with France to implement a one-in-one-out system for returning migrants.
Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council, emphasized that those embarking on these perilous journeys have typically fled oppressive regimes like the Taliban in Afghanistan or brutal civil conflicts in nations such as Sudan. The government’s efforts to curb channel crossings have been acknowledged, but concerns have been raised regarding plans that may penalize individuals seeking refuge and may not effectively deter future crossings.
The Home Office confirmed that no individuals made the journey on New Year’s Eve, continuing a trend of no crossings during the festive period. While 2025 witnessed a high number of arrivals, the pace slowed in the final months of the year, with extended periods of no migrant activity, including a 28-day stretch from November 15 to December 12. The average number of individuals per boat increased to 62, up from 53 in 2024 and 49 in 2023.
Addressing the situation, a Home Office spokesperson expressed disappointment at the significant number of small boat crossings, emphasizing the government’s commitment to action. Measures implemented include the removal of nearly 50,000 individuals residing illegally in the country and the enforcement of the agreement with France for returning those arriving via small boats.
In October, UK’s Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, acknowledged the frustration surrounding the 2025 arrival numbers, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling operations, acknowledging that progress in this area takes time. The Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Act, which grants law enforcement new powers to tackle people-smuggling networks, was enacted in December.
In a significant move, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced comprehensive reforms to the asylum system in November, aiming to discourage individuals from coming to the UK and streamline deportation processes. The reforms include extended waiting periods for permanent settlement applications and regular status reviews for those granted asylum.
These changes could lead to the potential deportation of tens of thousands of individuals if there is a shift in leadership in their home countries. Additionally, a return agreement was reached with France in the summer, marking the first post-Brexit agreement with a European nation.
On December 16, border security minister Alex Norris disclosed that 193 migrants had been returned to France under the agreement, while 195 individuals had arrived in the UK as part of the returns deal.