More than 1,100 people convicted of illegal arrival in UK since 2022
Summary
Since 2022, over 1,100 people have been convicted in the UK for arriving illegally, including survivors of trafficking and torture. Many arrived by small boats, and some were prosecuted shortly after seeking asylum, raising concerns about the treatment of refugees under international law.Key Facts
- The offence of illegal arrival in the UK was introduced by the Home Office in 2022.
- Between July 2022 and January 2026, 1,109 people were prosecuted for illegal arrival.
- 628 people arrived on small boats, with 296 caught on drone footage steering the boats.
- Only 12 people were convicted for helping others cross illegally by steering boats.
- Some prosecuted were trafficking survivors forced under threat to steer boats.
- There are concerns that some age-disputed children were held in adult prisons.
- Many prosecuted had claimed asylum just hours before being arrested, and some were later granted asylum or identified as trafficking victims.
- Critics argue these prosecutions may violate the refugee convention, which says refugees should not be punished for how they travel to safety.
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