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<p>People crossing the Channel to enter the UK have come from a safe country – usually
France – and so there is no reason why they need to make this trip in order to claim
asylum. Those fleeing persecution should stay in the first safe country they enter.</p><p>The
UK continues to work closely with France and other countries to return migrants who
have entered the UK by small boat in order to provide a strong deterrent against these
dangerous crossings.</p><p>The number of migrants arriving in the UK crossing the
Channel by small boats for the months of January to March 2020 is approx. 450. These
are provisional figures based on operational management information. The figures for
April have not passed through a data quality check and cannot be assured. The final
figures will be published at a later date, once they have been verified</p><p>Since
January 2019, over 155 people who entered the UK illegally on small boats have been
returned to Europe. However, as a result of COVID-19 the vast majority of EU member
states have temporarily paused accepting returns under the Dublin Regulations, but
we are tracking those individuals and where appropriate will seek to return them when
routes are available.</p><p>The processes to manage clandestine arrivals are kept
under regular review. In line with Public Health Guidance we are not currently providing
routine testing for clandestine arrivals to the UK. In line with established processes,
those arriving across the Channel are immediately assessed to establish whether there
are any medical requirements. Those showing symptoms of COVID-19 are provided with
suitable accommodation in which to self-isolate.</p>
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