More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Another four boats full of asylum seekers have been stopped as they tried to get to the Kent coast.
In total, 43 men and four women in dinghies were brought ashore while another four boats, containing 44 people all thought to be destined for the UK, were dealt with by the French authorities.
All will be interviewed and their cases dealt with in line with immigration rules and transferred to detention centres where appropriate.
They presented themselves as either Iranian, Syrian, Kuwaiti or Iraqi.
But none will be tested for coronavirus and instead monitored for symptoms instead, in line with Public Health England guidance.
The attempted crossings are the latest in series during the recent calm weather.
Just two days ago, a total of 35 asylum seekers were rescued off the coast of Kent after the Border Force intercepted three vessels carrying people from Iraq, Iran and Kuwait and brought them into Dover harbour.
And the day before that, five boats carrying a total of 76 people, including a young girl wearing Disney-style “Happily Ever After” pyjamas, were intercepted.
So far this year, 11 people smugglers have already been convicted and put behind bars as a result of Immigration Enforcement investigations.
As well as action in the UK, the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force are working closely with French police.
Between December 2018 and December 2019 there were 15 successful French prosecutions which have seen 30 individuals convicted with sentences ranging from three months to six years.
Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts, Chris Philp says the government is using all its assets, legal and professional skills and working with French enforcement authorities to dismantle and arrest the criminal networks who trade in people smuggling.
"Assets on the ground in France have also been enhanced to provide 24/7 cover of the northern beaches ensuring more detections before boats are able to leave the shore, cutting the number of attempted crossings," he said.
"These attempted crossings are reckless acts facilitated by criminals that we are determined to stop.
"People entering the UK on small boats are leaving a safe country – generally France – and where appropriate we will be seeking to return them.
"They have no excuse to be attempting to cross the Channel and entering in this way.
"Since April , French police have stopped over 200 migrants from risking their lives by seeking to get to the UK using a small boat. We are fully supporting the French authorities in doing this."
