Latest news with #irregularmigration
Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Times
The small boats crisis is out of control. This plan could solve it
In December 2018, Sajid Javid, then home secretary, cut short his holiday and declared a 'major incident' after 78 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats in four days. Since then six more home secretaries, and four prime ministers, have struggled with the same problem: how to stop the boats. All have failed. A record 17,000 have crossed so far this year. More than 900 crossed in a single day this month. There are some who argue that this proves, once again, that irregular migration can't be stopped and there is no point trying. This is wrong: the premise is false and the counsel unwise. Irregular migration can be controlled. There are plenty of examples of countries stopping or significantly reducing it. Australia has reduced it to almost zero: not once, but twice. It did so in 2001, and again in 2013, by shipping 'boat people' off to Nauru, a tiny Pacific island. Israel did the same in 2012 by building a fence and pushing migrants from Africa back across its border with Egypt. And, in the United States, President Trump is making a pretty good fist of it now: by strengthening border patrols and denying asylum applications at America's southern border, he has reduced encounters with irregular migrants to 12,000 in April this year, compared with 240,000 in April 2023. All these policies have three things in common: they are cruel and they violate people's rights. But they are also popular; or voters are at least prepared to put up with them if nothing else appears to work. In Australia, the 'Pacific solution' is now backed by both main parties. Trump is polling steadily on migration, even if the expansion of his deportation policy has dented support in recent weeks. None of this is lost on Nigel Farage, or his equivalents on the Continent. Seeing all else fail, voters are warming to Reform's promise to leave the European Convention on Human Rights and turn boats back at sea, using the navy if necessary. It is doubtful whether this very dangerous policy could work: you still need a place to push boats back to, and France is unlikely to be obliging. But it sounds simple and radical enough to tempt both voters and, it seems, the Conservative Party. This is a big problem for a Labour government that has promised to reduce migration but is reluctant to follow that path. Sir Keir Starmer's government desperately needs a humane, lawful, effective alternative. Is there one? More law enforcement is definitely not the answer. Close to £1 billion has been spent on boosting patrols in France; even more won't make much difference. A 'safe third-country agreement', with another faraway country that will admit and process asylum seekers, is perhaps an option. There is a version of this policy that could work, and could be lawful. The Supreme Court was clear on this, even as it scotched the previous government's half-baked Rwanda plan. But Labour criticised this policy so vehemently in opposition it would struggle to revive it now. • 1,378 migrants tried to cross the Channel in one day. France stopped 184 There is still one thing worth trying, however. It's also a safe third-country agreement, but not with Rwanda or some far-flung country. The deal the UK needs is with countries much closer to home: countries in the EU. From an agreed day onwards, the UK would agree with a group of EU countries, ideally including both France and Germany, to swiftly return almost all migrants who arrive irregularly across the Channel. This would reduce crossings to zero within a few weeks. As soon as it became clear that there was no prospect of success, the incentive to undertake a dangerous, costly journey would evaporate. After a few weeks, therefore, the number of transfers back to participating states would also fall to zero. The agreement would not be with the EU itself and would not replicate the unwieldy and unworkable system for intra-EU transfers known as the Dublin system, under which hardly anyone ever got sent anywhere. Anything that resembled this would fail — it is essential that asylum seekers do not suspect that there is a good chance of remaining in Britain anyway. Instead, it would be an ad hoc, one-off agreement with a coalition of interested EU countries, designed to ensure fast, efficient transfer for almost everyone within three or four weeks, with very occasional exceptions for people with the strongest family ties. The idea is not to turn boats around at sea. Intercepted migrants would be brought to British shores. They would be held securely and processed fairly. They would get a hearing, but unless they could present a credible other ground to remain here their claims would be declared inadmissible because there was a safe country to which they could be sent. There is no question that Germany and France — or Denmark, or Austria or the Netherlands for that matter — are safe. Their asylum systems are no worse, arguably better, than ours. Transfers would, therefore, be perfectly legal. There is an obvious question about such a deal. Why would European countries go for it? France and Germany have both had significantly higher numbers of asylum seekers per capita than the UK in recent years. They could not possibly agree to any arrangement in which the traffic was all one way. For this reason the UK would have to offer something in return: to take in, through organised legal channels, a fixed number of asylum seekers from the EU a year for the next few years: say 20,000 a year for four years, after which the scheme could be reviewed. A capped scheme similar to the Homes for Ukraine visa scheme would be set up to achieve this. This would be a good deal for Britain. Admitting 20,000 asylum seekers a year would be 30,000 less than are likely to arrive this year if nothing changes. Some would see this as an admission of failure, but a sharp reduction in numbers and, crucially, the restoration of control would quickly bring political dividends. A scheme such as this would almost entirely eliminate illegal migration. In comparison, the Darwinian lottery of the UK's current protection system, where over half of those securing it must have the strength and resources to undertake deeply hazardous journeys, is surely unsatisfactory. But what's in it for a Macron, or a Merz? Ultimately, something similar. Mainstream parties in Europe are leaching support to populists promising much more radical solutions to irregular migration. Right now, they have no policies of their own that credibly offer control. Nor are uglier ones that they are already endorsing (pushbacks at external borders from Greece to Poland, and deals with Tunisia and Libya to intercept boats and take them back before they even get there) working particularly well. This deal offers the outline of such a policy. Western European countries have every interest in showing their voters that migration can be controlled lawfully and humanely through safe third-country agreements. If they agreed this policy with Britain, EU countries would then need to invest in similar arrangements of its own, with partners it can find. For EU countries, finding (genuinely) safe third countries to transfer migrants to will be harder and will take time. But it is not impossible. Short of legalising the abuses occurring at their own borders, this is the only policy option they have. Developing this plan with the UK could quickly show that the model, control through co-operation, works. They would have a narrative and plan: two things sorely lacking right now. Like all good agreements, this one appeals to interests on both sides. It won't appeal to everyone. Participating states would be criticised from all sides: too generous for some, not generous enough for others. But if even closely allied, rights-respecting countries such as Britain and Germany cannot reach civilised migration control agreements, there is little hope for such agreements being reached anywhere. And little hope, therefore, for humane border control — meaning cruel ones will prevail. John Dalhuisen is a senior fellow at the European Stability Initiative. The ESI helped to broker the EU-Turkey deal in 2016, to address the migrant crisis caused by the Syrian civil war
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Airline staff being trained to bar people without visas from flights to UK
Thousands of European airline staff are being trained to stop people boarding flights to Britain without valid visas, in a move billed by the foreign secretary as a digital upgrade to border controls. David Lammy said the measures marked a step towards 'more secure, more digital and more effective' borders, but the move could raise questions about human rights safeguards. More than 9,000 airline workers at carriers including Wizz Air, Jet2 and Lufthansa, have undertaken training to verify UK visa documents at departure gates in 39 countries, including those on major transit routes for irregular migration such as Greece, Malta, Italy and Albania. The scheme, delivered by the Foreign Office, deputises airline workers as frontline immigration officers, blocking passengers from even attempting to travel without the correct paperwork. The training is part of the broader rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and eVisa system, which requires travellers – including many EU citizens – to pre-register before entering the UK. It represents a significant overhaul to UK border controls and is now being touted as a key aspect of Labour's immigration crackdown. Lammy said: 'Tackling irregular migration demands cooperation across borders and industries to disrupt the pathways used by those attempting to enter the UK illegally. We're sending a clear message – air travel simply isn't an option without proper authorisation and registration.' The initiative could attract scrutiny from civil liberties groups that express concern over legitimate travellers, especially asylum seekers, and would outsource critical immigration decisions to private airline staff. It comes as Labour seek to outflank Reform UK on border control and respond to what the party believes is public anxiety over uncontrolled immigration. Keir Starmer is seeking to maintain a hard rhetorical line, with returns and enforcement appearing to be central to his government's approach. The eVisa system, which replaces physical ID with digital status checks, allows the government to update and track individuals' immigration status in real time. Ministers say this will make it easier to take enforcement action against overstayers and enable landlords, employers and service providers to verify people's rights in the UK more easily. British Airways said the training had been helpful for its staff, making them feel 'more confident and prepared' to implement the system. But campaigners said the policy raises questions about accountability, particularly in cases where boarding is denied in error. According to official statistics, 30,000 people have been returned under current policies, with a 23% rise in enforced returns and a 14% increase in deportations of foreign offenders since the 2024 general election. Diplomats have been instructed to promote the ETA scheme directly to European governments, while a public information campaign is being rolled out to alert EU citizens about the new travel rules. A British Airways spokesperson said: 'As a carrier, this kind of insight is extremely useful and absolutely critical for us as it will guide us in how to process our customer whilst complying with the UK laws. Our stations feel more confident and prepared in using the ETA/eVisa system.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Frontex: Irregular Migrant Crossings Into EU Drop 20% in 2025
The number of irregular migrant crossings into the European Union dropped by 20 percent in the first five months of the year, the EU's border agency said Wednesday. Warsaw-based Frontex said that a total of 63,700 crossings were detected this year, adding that the main nationalities were Afghan, Bangladeshi and Malian. The biggest decreases in irregular crossings were seen in the Western Balkans (minus 56 percent), the western African route (minus 35 percent) and the eastern Mediterranean (minus 30 percent). There was also a seven percent decrease in migrant crossings from Belarus into Poland and the Baltics to 5,062 crossings, Frontex said. But it pointed to a slight increase of seven percent in the number of migrants crossing the central Mediterranean towards Italy. Frontex also said that the number of migrants attempting to cross into Britain via the Channel increased by 17 percent to 25,540 compared to the first five months of 2024. "Smuggling networks operating in the area are adapting, using simultaneous departures to increase the number of successful crossings," AFP quoted it as saying. Irregular migration has become a political flashpoint across Europe, as seen most recently in the Polish presidential election on June 1 which was won by a nationalist promising to crack down on immigration. Irregular border crossings detected into the European Union were down 38 percent to 239,000 last year after an almost 10-year peak in 2023, according to EU border agency Frontex. But, led by hawks including Italy and Denmark, EU leaders called in October for urgent new legislation to increase and speed up returns and for the commission to assess "innovative" ways to counter irregular migration.
The Guardian
06-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
UK taxpayers face extra costs as France plans Channel small boat interceptions
British taxpayers will be expected to contribute more money to stop irregular migration as the French government prepares to halt small boats carrying asylum seekers even if they are already at sea. It is understood there will be extra costs associated with the scheme to tackle boats within 300 metres of the shore – including paying for police, boats and drones – which the UK will be asked to share with France. The development comes as a refugee charity that successfully intervened to stop the UK sending boats back to France said it would explore legal avenues to stop the latest tactic. It is understood the French government is braced for court challenges. Home Office officials confirmed on Wednesday that the French government hoped to launch interventions in the Channel and in nearby waterways in July. It follows increasing use by traffickers of 'taxi boats', which pick up asylum seekers a few hundred yards from the shore before taking them to the UK. The strategy aims to be ready in time for the Franco-British summit, which begins on 8 July. This coincides with the state visit to London of Emmanuel Macron, the French president. The scheme is intended to give the French authorities the power to halt dinghies that 'taxi' up to beaches from nearby waterways. Current guidelines prevent French police from intervening offshore unless it is to rescue passengers in distress. In practice, the policy means officers can stop boats leaving the beach by puncturing them, but are restricted once they are in the water. The French government has changed the framework so that its officers can now operate in shallow waters up to 300 metres from the coast, allowing them to intercept 'taxi boats'. The UK government will be expected by Paris to contribute further funds to help pay for more officers and equipment along the coast. The UK signed a £480m deal two years ago to pay for additional border patrols and surveillance equipment such as drones and night-vision binoculars. But government sources pointed out that Keir Starmer agreed a deal with Macron at the start of the year to increase measures to halt Channel crossings. This led to a formal agreement a month later under which the UK extended its deal to pay for policing French beaches in return for new measures to stem the flow of boats. France could seek extra funds from the UK for the Compagnie de Marche, a specialist unit of enforcement officers operating on beaches to tackle the people-smuggling trade. Announced in February this year and allocated £2.2m from existing funds, the unit's officers have public order powers to apprehend smugglers and intercept crossings. The unit could be expanded, it is understood. Violent confrontations on French beaches have increased. In a recent incident, French officers confronting a suspect were sprayed with petrol and told they would be set alight unless they backed off. France is expanding its naval forces with six new patrol boats that can rescue migrants and intercept 'taxi boats' before they leave for the UK, the Telegraph reported. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion The French government is expecting legal challenges to come from charities and NGOs, either through the French or European courts. A British charity that operates in France has said it plans to explore possible legal challenges to stop the tactic. Steve Smith, the chief executive of Care4Calais, said: 'When the last Tory government tried to do pushbacks in the Channel, Care4Calais initiated a legal challenge and won. Any attempt to introduce interceptions in French waters must face the same level of resistance. Anything that puts human lives at risk must be opposed, including considering all legal avenues to defeat it.' The UK government has suggested that improved weather conditions may be a factor behind the sharp rise in small boat crossings so far this year. According to official figures, 11,074 people crossed the Channel on small boats before May – nearly 50% more than during the same period in 2024. A Home Office report links this increase to a greater number of 'red days' – when weather and sea conditions are more likely to allow for small boat journeys. Between January and April, there were 60 such days, compared with 27 last year. More than 1,100 migrants crossed the Channel on Saturday, official data shows, the highest number recorded in a single day so far in 2025. It brings the provisional total of people making the perilous journey so far this year to 14,811.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
9 EU countries want a new interpretation of European rights to ease deportations
Leaders of 9 European Union countries say they want a reinterpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights in order to better tackle irregular migration to the continent and increase deportations. The leaders said in an open letter made public in Rome on Thursday that interpretations of the rights convention by the European Court of Human Rights have limited the flexibility of national governments and prevented them from expelling migrants who commit crimes. The letter was signed by leaders of Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The court's interpretation of the convention in "cases concerning the expulsion of criminal foreign nationals" has protected the 'wrong people' and placed too many limits on deciding who can be expelled, the letter said. The European Court of Human Rights handles complaints against the 46-member states of the Council of Europe, under the European Convention on Human Rights, including many cases involving migrants and asylum-seekers. The intergovernmental organization is not an EU institution and was set up in the wake of the Second World War to promote peace and democracy. Irregular border crossings into the European Union are down by 27% this year, according to the European Union Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex. While numbers of unauthorized migration have fluctuated in recent years, they are nowhere near what they were at the height of the refugee crisis in 2015 when more than one million people arrived on European shores, mainly fleeing the Syrian civil war. ___
