More than 30,000 migrants reached Britain’s shores illegally in 2023 by crossing the English Channel in unsuitable boats, a sharp drop from the record 2022 figures, AFP reported on Monday.

A total of 29,437 migrants crossed the English Channel in the year just ended, compared with 45,774 in 2022, according to Britain’s Home Office.

However, the 2023 figure remains the second highest on record, higher than 2021 (28,526).

By origin, around 20% of migrants arriving on English shores in 2023 were Afghan, followed by Iranians (12%), Turks (11%), Eritreans (9%) and Iraqis (9%).

The number of Albanians, which was high in 2022 (12,658), has instead dropped by more than 90% in the context of London and Tirana reaching an agreement aimed at preventing Albanians from illegally leaving the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised to stop the illegal crossing of the English Channel by illegal migrants.

In March, Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a deal that will see London contribute more than €500 million over three years to step up surveillance of French beaches and combat guide networks.

Immigration is set to become a key issue in the UK general election campaign this year. (Agerpress)