In a groundbreaking proposal to prevent further tragic loss of life, the UK Refugee Council is calling on the government to introduce a special visa program for refugees seeking to reach Britain. The move comes after a devastating record of at least 69 men, women and children perished attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats in 2024 alone.
Providing Safe and Legal Routes
The Refugee Council’s report, titled “Deaths in the Channel – what needs to change”, urges the creation of 10,000 refugee visas to provide a lifeline for those fleeing war and persecution. By offering safe and legal routes, the aim is to stop desperate asylum seekers from resorting to dangerous smuggling networks and hazardous Channel crossings.
“More safe and legal routes are needed to provide a lifeline for those fleeing war and persecution. The government needs to take a different approach if it is to ensure everything possible is done so that 2025 does not see a repeat of last year’s devastating loss.”
– Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council
Drawing Inspiration from the US
The report points to a successful scheme introduced in the US under President Biden, which combined enhanced border enforcement with a sponsorship program for over 500,000 refugees from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. This two-pronged approach led to a dramatic reduction in irregular border crossings.
Focusing on High-Risk Countries
The proposed UK pilot visa scheme would target nationals from countries with high refugee acceptance rates, such as Eritrea, Sudan and Afghanistan. By providing a legitimate pathway to seek protection, it aims to eliminate the need for refugees to embark on treacherous journeys.
Confronting a Worsening Crisis
Channel crossings surged by 25% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 36,816 – the second highest annual total on record. Despite increased enforcement efforts and UK government funding, the measures have only served to make the crossings more chaotic and risky.
- Police actions on French beaches, including the use of tear gas and puncturing of dinghies, have created confusion and panic.
- Overcrowding on unseaworthy boats has become more common as smugglers exploit the mayhem.
- 2024 saw fatalities occurring closer to the French coast, often involving women and children.
“The record number of deaths in the Channel in 2024 should serve as a stark reminder that the current approach is not working. Smuggling gangs are profiting from men, women and children forced into life-threatening conditions, and enforcement measures alone are not enough to address this.”
– Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council
A Tragedy Hidden in Plain Sight
The report warns that the lack of proper documentation and monitoring by French and UK authorities means the true death toll could be even higher than officially recorded. Witness accounts suggest some fatalities may have gone unregistered, with the public becoming dangerously normalized to the ongoing tragedy.
| Year | Channel Crossings | Recorded Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 45,774 | 17 |
| 2023 | 29,437 | 14 |
| 2024 | 36,816 | 69+ |
An Urgent Call for Change
As pressure mounts on the UK government to prevent a repeat of 2024’s grim milestone, the Refugee Council’s visa proposal offers a proactive solution to an escalating humanitarian disaster. By coupling robust search and rescue capabilities with expanded safe and legal routes, Britain has an opportunity to lead with compassion while securing its borders and defeating ruthless criminal gangs.
The ultimate goal must be to uphold the fundamental right to seek asylum, protect lives, and dismantle the perilous small boat trade. The UK’s response to this defining challenge will shape its legacy on refugee rights for generations to come.
