The changing face of UK people smuggling and asylum

A recent briefing from the National Crime Agency, as reported by The Telegraph, stated that due to the increasing security measures at ports, people smugglers have started to turn to new and more expensive methods of getting asylum seekers and illegal immigrants onto UK soil.

An attempt in a speedboat or yacht has been seen to cost almost ten thousand pounds, while Iraqis are known to have paid over 13 thousand for an expertly forged passport and flight. Such prices mean that predominantly middle class clients are using the services of the people smugglers who are now utilising 200 different social media sites, including Facebook, to find new business.

The increase in vigilance on the south coast of England has also pushed some further north, with smugglers known to have operated as far up the coast as Hull. Despite the increased challenges, asylum applications continue to rise, with 32,414 received in 2015.

This infographic was also featured on The Week.