A recent report from France criticizes the UK for inadequate collaboration in efforts to reduce migrant crossings across the English Channel in small vessels. This criticism is part of a larger analysis that questions the effectiveness of current policies against illegal migration.

The report, released by France’s independent Court of Accounts, highlights the challenges in establishing effective operational cooperation with the UK. The Court specifically mentions a joint intelligence unit, established in 2020, to combat human smuggling and lessen illegal channel crossings. Despite the unit's success in dismantling seven smuggling networks in 2022, the report notes a lack of useful information from the UK on boat departures and general, unverified data.

The information regarding migrants' arrival circumstances, nationalities, and details about the boats is noted as being inconsistent. The report concludes that there's an imbalance in information and intelligence sharing between France and the UK.

Meanwhile, the UK Defence Ministry reports a 58% increase in Channel crossings by boat from 2021 to 2022, with over 45,000 migrants arriving in the UK. The report acknowledges a 56% prevention rate of crossing attempts in 2022, similar to the previous year.

The UK government credits the partnership with France for a significant decrease in migrant crossings in 2023, down by more than a third to approximately 26,000.

Why has The Issue Been Highlighted Now?

The issue emerges amidst heightened French efforts to prevent Channel crossings, backed by increased policing, equipment, and facilities, and financial support from the UK amounting to €222 million from 2018 to 2022. An additional €541 million was agreed upon for 2023-2026.

The number of undocumented migrants in France, estimated between 300,000 and 400,000 in 2017 by the Pew Research Center, is considerably lower compared to the UK and Germany.

The Court of Accounts also reviews various aspects of illegal immigration policies, noting 133 legal amendments in the past decade. The report highlights the difficulty in enforcing deportation orders, with France leading EU deportations. In 2022, only 10% of over 150,000 individuals ordered to leave actually departed.

The report comments on the current immigration bill debate in France, suggesting that significant changes to deportation policies are unlikely. In 2022, the UK and Germany repatriated around 3,500 and 13,000 individuals, respectively. Challenges include proving migrants' identities, receiving entry authorization from their home countries, and reluctance from airlines and pilots to transport them.

FAQs

What has been the UK's primary approach to managing channel crossings?

The UK has focused on stringent security measures and cooperation with France to deter illegal crossings.

Why does France criticize the UK's approach to migrant crossings?

France criticizes the UK for insufficient collaboration and information sharing and for a lack of balance in their approach to handling asylum seekers.

What is the humanitarian perspective on this issue?

The humanitarian perspective emphasizes the need for policies that respect the rights and dignity of migrants, advocating for fair and legal avenues for asylum processing.