People smugglers are reportedly offering "package deals" to migrants, including travel, accommodation, and jobs, as crossings of the English Channel continue to rise. These deals, advertised on social media, come as political tensions escalate over the ongoing migration issue.
The emergence of these "package deals" has coincided with an increase in Channel crossings. Figures show more than 150,000 people have made the journey in small boats over the last seven years. Albanian criminal groups are allegedly exploiting busy periods, like the Christmas holidays, to facilitate entry using stolen passports.
Advertisements, resembling television commercials, promote packages costing as little as £2,500, with payment upon arrival in Dover. These packages allegedly include transportation, rental housing, and access to black-market employment. One smuggler's message even included pictures of available London properties, mimicking online estate listings.
The surge in crossings has intensified the political debate surrounding migration. Recent figures indicate that hundreds of migrants made the journey on Christmas Day and Boxing Day alone. The Home Office has cited issues inherited from previous administrations while the opposition criticizes current policies for their perceived ineffectiveness.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized international cooperation to combat smuggling operations, a key pillar of his plan to reduce arrivals. The number of crossings since his taking office has risen compared to 2023, although they remain lower than the peak of 2022.
The number of Channel crossings has become a significant point of political debate. Data indicates that while the annual total for 2024 is higher than in 2023, it is less than in 2022. Moreover, 2024 has seen an increase in "red days"—periods with favorable crossing conditions.
The criminal activity surrounding Channel crossings is escalating, with the National Crime Agency currently leading 70 active investigations. Tragically, at least 50 migrant deaths have been reported this year, making it the deadliest year on record.
Authorities are working to combat the increasing influence of human smuggling gangs. A Home Office spokesperson said they are collaborating with social media companies to take down advertisements promoting crossings and are working with law enforcement to prosecute criminal groups. Arrests for illegal working have increased recently along with the number of enforced returns.
