Rishi Sunak Admits Ten-Fold Increase in Vietnamese Migrants Crossing English Channel

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has acknowledged a ten-fold increase in Vietnamese migrants crossing the English Channel, according to a Sky News report on April 24, 2024. The report comes as five more people, including a 7-year-old girl, lost their lives while attempting the dangerous crossing in overloaded inflatable boats.

The number of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats has soared in recent years, with the UK government struggling to coordinate efforts with France to reduce the crossings. Sunak has made stopping the boats a key campaign promise ahead of a general election later this year.

The UK Parliament recently approved legislation allowing the government to deport to Rwanda those who enter the country illegally, a move criticized by human rights groups as illegal and inhumane. The United Nations refugee agency and the Council of Europe have called on the UK to rethink its plans over fears that the bill could damage international cooperation on tackling the global migration crisis.

Why this matters: The surge in Vietnamese migrants crossing the English Channel highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the UK government in addressing illegal immigration. The controversial Rwanda deportation plan has drawn international criticism and raised concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers.

According to the Sky News report, the number of Vietnamese nationals making the crossing in 2024 so far accounts for around 20% of the total 6,265 small boat arrivals, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year. The UK government has signed a new agreement with Vietnam to crack down on illegal migration, including increased intelligence sharing and measures to tackle visa abuse.

The tragic deaths of five migrants, including a young girl, while attempting to cross the Channel in an overcrowded boat underscore the perilous nature of these journeys. French authorities reported rescuing over 100 migrants from the boat, but unfortunately, five lives were lost.

Prime Minister Sunak stated that sending asylum seekers to Rwanda is a key priority to deter people from making the dangerous Channel crossing. He vowed that "nothing will obstruct our efforts " of getting flights to Rwanda off the ground, as the government prepares for legal challenges to the scheme. The government has committed £290 million to the Rwanda scheme, with a further £100 million earmarked over the next two years.

Key Takeaways

• UK PM acknowledges 10-fold increase in Vietnamese migrants crossing Channel
• 5 migrants, including a 7-year-old, died in recent Channel crossing attempt
• UK plans to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda, facing criticism from rights groups
• UK signs deal with Vietnam to tackle illegal migration, including visa abuse
• Sunak vows to push ahead with Rwanda deportation plan despite legal challenges