![A Border Force vessel carrying around 100 migrants, including several children arrives at Dover port on October 31, 2024 in Dover, England. [Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2182069971-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
The number of migrants arriving in the UK via the English Channel increased by 25% in 2024 compared to the previous year, the Home Office announced on Wednesday, Anadolu Agency reports.
A total of 36,816 people made the perilous journey by small boats in 2024, up from 29,437 in 2023, according to the data.
The final crossings of the year occurred on Dec. 29, when 291 people arrived in the UK from France aboard six small boats.
This made 2024 the second-highest year for Channel crossings since records began in 2018.
However, it was also the deadliest year, with 53 people losing their lives while attempting the journey.