The Prime Minister says he’s going to smash the criminal gangs that are smuggling people into the UK. He says the government can stop these gangs and end this dangerous trade. But for people who have made the journey, the reality is very different.
One person who traveled to the UK years ago shared their experience. They paid £5,000 to get there, hoping for a better life. But after spending years in the UK, they decided to leave. When asked how much it cost to leave, they said “48.” Surprisingly, they had no trouble leaving. “They didn’t ask me any questions, they didn’t check my documents, nothing,” they explained. “I just got on the flight and left.” Even though they had been in the UK for years, no one stopped them or asked why they were leaving.
When they arrived back home, people thought they had made a lot of money. “People think if you go to the UK, you will be rich,” they said. “But it’s not like that for everyone.” Many people believe life in the UK is easy, but for this person, it was not what they expected.
When asked what they think about others who are still trying to take the boat to the UK, they were very clear. “I think they’re stupid,” they said. “They don’t know what’s waiting for them. They don’t understand what life is like there.” They strongly warned others not to go. “One of my friends wanted to go, and I told him, ‘I was there. I have the experience. Don’t go.’”
Even if they had legal documents, they would never return to the UK. “No, never. Even if I have the right papers, I will not go back there.” Looking back on their time in the UK, they regret it. “It was like a bad dream,” they said. “Nothing was good for me there.”
