More than 1,000 migrants crossed the English Channel and arrived in the United Kingdom on small boats over the Halloween period, according to official data. Since Thursday, at least 1,193 people have made the journey illegally by dinghy, bringing the total number of arrivals this year to 22,128.

The figure marks a significant decline compared to last year, representing a 40 percent decrease in unauthorized Channel crossings at this point in the year. Home Office officials noted that this summer recorded the lowest number of arrivals by boat since 2020.

The migrant boats typically depart from northern France, with recent reports indicating one vessel set off from Belgium, suggesting that smugglers may be changing their usual routes amid heightened enforcement. Video footage from Gravelines, France, showed a crowded dinghy bound for England, with individuals from different backgrounds attempting the perilous journey.

UK authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, responding to shifting patterns in migration and the ongoing challenges posed by cross-Channel smuggling networks.