LONDON, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of 41,472 migrants arrived on British shores in small boats in 2025, marking the second-highest annual figure on record, government data released on Thursday showed.
That figure represents a 13 percent increase compared with 2024, and is 9 percent lower than the all-time high of nearly 46,000 recorded in 2022.
At least 17 people lost their lives while attempting the Channel crossings in 2025, British media reported, citing French and British authorities.
The British Home Office in November unveiled a sweeping overhaul of the country's asylum system, under which people granted asylum would be required to wait 20 years before becoming eligible to apply for permanent settlement. ■