More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Three incidents involving 38 migrants were recorded off the Kent coast of the English Channel yesterday.
Border Force was alerted to the first small boat at around 5am which was found to be carrying a group of 14 males and two females.
A second vessel detected around 9.15am was carrying a group of 11 males and a third, spotted at the same time, had a group of nine males and two females on board.
The individuals presented themselves as a mix of Iranian, Afghan, Iraqi and Kuwaiti nationals and were brought to Dover.
In line with established processes, they were assessed to establish whether there are any medical requirements and all transferred to immigration officials for interview.
The Home Office says their cases will be dealt with in line with the immigration rules, transferring to detention where appropriate.
Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts, Chris Philp said: “These crossings are unacceptable.
"We are working closely with the French government to tackle them and to bring the ruthless criminals who facilitate them to justice.
“Thanks to this close working relationship, French authorities stopped more than 1,000 migrants from crossing the Channel across the months of April and May.
“But there is much more to do and we will not be satisfied until these dangerous crossings are stopped.”
