The bill comes at a time when a record number of migrants crossed the Channel in small boats, around 6,000, in the first six months of 2021.
The United Kingdom is preparing to increase the prison sentence imposed by migrants seeking to enter the country illegally from the current six months to four years, against the backdrop of a record number of Channel crossings.
The new provision, announced later this week by the Home Office, is part of a bill to reform the asylum system, which comes before British Parliament on Tuesday.
He also plans to impose a sentence of life imprisonment – currently 14 years imprisonment – against the maximum committed by traffickers.
“Shopping” by choosing United Kingdom
The Conservative government presented its plan to tighten its asylum system last March, reporting that the current one was “overwhelmed”.
Presented by Interior Minister Priti Patel as “fair but firm”, it aims to discourage illegal immigration and plans to treat asylum seekers differently depending on whether they are legal or illegal. have come to the country.
Tightening immigration conditions was a hobby for supporters of the now-ended Brexit, which ended free movement between the UK and EU countries.
According to the Home Office, it is “very likely that people going to the UK in small craft come from a safe country in the EU where they could apply for asylum.”
“When this happens, they do not look for the first possible place to seek refuge”, but “shop” using illegal channels to find their way out, choosing the UK as a preferred destination for “others”. By doing”. Called the Home Office.
Nearly 6,000 crossings since the start of the year
The bill comes at a time when a record number of migrants crossed the Channel in small boats, around 6,000, in the first six months of 2021.
According to the British news agency PA, the total number of crossings recorded in 2020, 8,417, could be exceeded in the next two months, if the number of crossings recorded in July and August last year is repeated.
“Rather than deliberately spreading myths and untruths about asylum and immigration, the Home Office would be better equipped to establish safe ways for the few who are fleeing persecution and seek asylum here.” The head of Amnesty International responded to these questions. United Kingdom, Steve Valdez-Symonds.