Here Are the Numbers of Migrants Who Arrived in the UK by Small Boats Over Seven Days as Latest Figures Are Revealed

More than 600 migrants arrived in the UK by small boats in just one day this week, according to the latest government figures. The new numbers show that people are continuing to cross the English Channel from France, with hundreds reaching British shores within a few days.

On Monday, 5 October 2026, a total of 609 migrants arrived in the UK on eight small boats. This was one of the busiest days of the week for Channel crossings.

The day before, Sunday, 4 October, another 418 migrants arrived on five boats. On Tuesday, 6 October, a further 338 people crossed the Channel on five boats.

These figures show that large numbers of migrants are still making the dangerous journey across the sea, despite efforts by British and French authorities to stop unauthorised crossings.

According to the Home Office, the figures are based on information collected by British and French officials. However, the government has explained that these numbers are not yet final and could change after further checks.

Officials said the final figures will be published in the government’s official immigration statistics, which go through a more detailed checking process before being released.

The government also explained what it means by a small boat crossing. This includes people who travel across the English Channel in small vessels without a visa or permission to enter the UK.

Some of these migrants reach British beaches themselves, while others are intercepted at sea by Border Force or rescue teams and brought to the UK.

The boats commonly used for these journeys include inflatable dinghies, rigid-hulled inflatable boats and kayaks.

However, the government’s daily small boat figures do not include everyone who may have attempted to enter the country without permission.

For example, people who arrive secretly inside vehicles on ferries or use larger vessels are generally not included in these figures.

The numbers also exclude migrants who are stopped by French authorities before leaving France or intercepted and returned to France.

People who manage to enter the UK without being detected are also not included in the official small boat arrival figures.

The latest information gives a clearer picture of how many people arrived during the first week of October.

On Thursday, 1 October, no small boat arrivals were recorded.

On Friday, 2 October, 91 migrants arrived on one boat.

On Saturday, 3 October, the number increased to 164 migrants travelling on two boats.

By Sunday, 4 October, arrivals had risen sharply to 418 people on five boats.

Monday, 5 October, recorded the highest number during the seven-day period, with 609 migrants arriving on eight boats.

On Tuesday, 6 October, another 338 migrants arrived on five boats.

By Wednesday, 7 October, the number had dropped to 119 migrants arriving on two boats.

Altogether, the figures show that 1,739 migrants arrived in the UK on 23 small boats between 1 October and 7 October 2026.

The latest arrivals come at a time when immigration and small boat crossings remain major issues in Britain.

The situation has also led to protests in some communities, including Gosport in Hampshire, where police recently arrested several people following a demonstration against the arrival of migrants.

According to Hampshire Constabulary, around 350 people left Haslar Road at approximately 2am on Monday after a group of migrants had been brought ashore by coastguard officers, lifeboat crews and border security staff.

Police had introduced restrictions under the Public Order Act to control the protest and maintain public safety.

Officers also used powers to prevent people from covering their faces during the demonstration.

Despite these measures, 12 people were arrested following the incident.

Those arrested included 11 men aged between 22 and 59 and a 57-year-old woman.

Police said the suspected offences included assaulting a police officer, being drunk and disorderly, criminal damage, failing to follow protest restrictions and racially aggravated public order offences.

One man, identified as 38-year-old Jamie Bennett from Thyme Avenue in Whiteley, was charged with failing to follow a police dispersal order.

The order had been issued under Section 35 powers, which allow police to direct someone to leave a particular area for a specified period.

The incident in Gosport highlights the growing tensions surrounding migrant arrivals in some parts of the country.

While some residents have raised concerns about immigration and the impact on their communities, the authorities continue to face the challenge of managing arrivals, maintaining public safety and dealing with asylum applications.

The latest figures also show how quickly the number of Channel crossings can change from one day to another.

For example, no arrivals were recorded on 1 October, but just four days later, more than 600 people reached the UK in a single day.

The number then fell to 119 on 7 October, showing that arrivals can vary significantly over a short period.

Small boat crossings remain a difficult issue for the government because they involve immigration control, border security and the safety of people travelling across one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

For now, the latest government figures confirm that hundreds of migrants are continuing to reach the UK by small boats, keeping the Channel crossings issue firmly in the public spotlight.