Vietnamese migrants soar by 177% in perilous Channel crossings

In the United Kingdom, from January to September 2024, there was a significant increase in the number of Vietnamese migrants arriving via small boats, marking a surge of 177 percent compared to the previous year. The Home Office reported that 3,132 Vietnamese migrants made the treacherous journey during this period, a dramatic rise from 1,306 in 2023 and an even more stark comparison to only three Vietnamese arrivals in 2019 and just four in 2018. The increase in crossings has been attributed to a new visa agreement between Vietnam and Hungary, which has made it easier for Vietnamese nationals to enter the European Union and subsequently migrate to the UK. Many are believed to be traveling from Hungary to northern France before crossing the Channel. This route, described as a ‘backdoor’ into Europe, has exploited the vulnerabilities within the immigration system. Experts on human trafficking have raised alarm over the potential for women to be trafficked into the UK for illegal work in the sex industry, drawing attention to the dangers associated with these crossings. Additionally, smuggling networks are reportedly offering an 'elite' crossing experience, making the journey more attractive and seemingly efficient for migrants. Undercover investigations reveal that smugglers coordinate the logistics of these risky crossings, monitoring weather conditions before promoting crossings to their clients. While the total number of small boat arrivals to the UK for the year ending September 2024 was reported at 29,851—a decline of 21 percent from the previous year—the data indicates that the Vietnamese arrivals represent a growing trend that continues to pose challenges for UK authorities. Government spokesmen have acknowledged the difficulties in addressing this issue and have stated that efforts are being made to dismantle the networks orchestrating these dangerous crossings. As this situation unfolds, the government faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its response to illegal immigration and the measures taken to mitigate the risks faced by vulnerable migrants.