Price hike for desperate migrants crossing the Channel

In 2024, a significant number of migrants have attempted to cross the English Channel from France to the UK, resulting in increased prices set by people smuggling gangs. These fees have risen to between £5,000 and £6,000 per migrant, a sharp increase from last summer's rates of £3,000 to £4,000. This escalation in cost is attributed to the ongoing crackdown by UK and European authorities on people smuggling operations, targeting the supply of small boats and outboard engines used for these treacherous journeys. The restrictive measures have pushed gangs to charge higher fees, leading to more dangerous crossings as overcrowded boats are used. So far, over 33,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in 2024, with serious implications for safety. At least 68 lives have been lost this year, marking it the deadliest on record. In response to growing fatalities and the ongoing challenge of dismantling smuggling operations, the UK Government has allocated £75 million annually to establish a new Border Security Command which aims to prosecute people smuggling and enhance international cooperation. Despite these efforts, experts believe that while governments can disrupt illegal activities, they will struggle to completely eradicate these criminal networks which profit from human desperation.