What the latest Home Office statistics really tell us about migration

The Government’s recent move to suspend refugee family reunion has left children and people fleeing war and persecution with even fewer safe options to reach the UK. At the same time, the latest immigration statistics lay bare the human cost of this hostile approach – and the myths they continue to fuel.

Here’s what the numbers reveal – and why expanding safe routes is the only way forward.

1. Children are bearing the brunt of hostile policies

Over 5,000 children crossed the Channel in the year ending June 2025, and more than half of them made the journey alone. Since 2018, almost one in six small boat arrivals has been a child.

Many of the unaccompanied children we support in Northern France are simply trying to reach loved ones – often the only family they have left. But the UK’s family reunion rules are so restrictive, and the process so slow and complicated, that an increasing number of children have been turning to smugglers out of desperation. Despite this; the Government recently suspended refugee family reunion for children joining parents one of the last few safe routes available to these children – condemning more of them to dangerous journeys.

2. The scale of Channel crossings is being (purposefully) distorted

There is a persistent myth that people arriving by small boat represent the bulk of migration to the UK, which fuels fear and hostility towards refugees. Almost half of the UK public (47%) believe that most migration to the UK is “illegal” – a misconception that’s fuelled by toxic political and media narratives.

In reality, Channel crossings accounted for just 5% of all migration in the year ending June 2025. The vast majority of people came through work, study or family visas. Sadly, such visas do not exist for people fleeing war or persecution – which is why many have no other choice but to turn to smugglers.

💡Did you know? Arriving to a country irregularly – whether on a flimsy boat or at the back of a lorry –  after fleeing war or persecution does not make anyone “illegal”. Under international law, refugees are still entitled to protection regardless of their form of travel, and governments must not punish them or return them to danger for this.

3. Most people crossing the Channel are later recognised as refugees

Some politicians and media outlets continue to claim that most people crossing the Channel are not genuine refugees. The evidence shows otherwise.

Since 2018, 95% of people arriving by small boat have claimed asylum. Of the 96,831 who have received a decision on their case, 61,706 were granted asylum or another form of protection – that’s 64% of applications successful. That number is likely to be even higher, as many more people are granted protection after appealing the Home Office’s initial decision. These numbers show that people crossing the Channel have legitimate reasons to fear for their lives, and need protection.

4. Afghans remain the largest nationality crossing the Channel

Despite ongoing persecution and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the Government recently closed all existing protection schemes for Afghan nationals – including those who worked alongside the British government. While these schemes were far from perfect, they provided a vital lifeline for thousands. Without them, even more Afghans have been forced to risk their lives to reach safety and reunite with family in the UK.

Other top nationalities arriving via the Channel include Eritrean, Iranian, Sudanese, and Syrian nationals, who suffer the consequences of brutal regimes, conflict, violence and extreme instability. From our legal work, we know many would face arrest, torture, or death if they stayed. For them, fleeing is the only option.

5. The lack of safe routes is driving dangerous journeys

The number of people entering the UK via safe routes – like the Ukraine schemes and family reunion - has steadily decreased since 2022, while irregular journeys continue to rise. So far this year, the Government has granted 33% fewer visas through these routes.  Worse, they have closed down vital protection schemes for Afghans and suspended refugee family reunion for children joining their parents. This will leave countless children trapped in war-torn countries or squalid camps, vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation, and cut off from loved ones.

Meanwhile, Channel crossings have hit record highs. This is no coincidence: when safe routes are closed, smugglers become the only option. The most effective way to prevent dangerous crossings is to expand legal pathways, including by fixing family reunion and creating a refugee visa – something the government still refuses to do.

The facts are clear: people are crossing the Channel because they have no other choice. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Expanding safe routes would save lives, undercut smugglers, and help the UK manage arrivals responsibly

We’ll keep fighting for a fair, humane immigration system – you can help make this possible by supporting our work today.