Immigration: Terminology
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what terminology the Government uses to describe large-scale unauthorised crossings of international borders by migrants.
Answered by Home Office
There is no single term that applies to all large-scale cross-border movements of migrants. Terminology used by governments and international organisations may vary depending on the legal and operational context.
Within the UK immigration system, Home Office guidance distinguishes between 'irregular arrivals' and individuals who have entered the UK illegally by breaching immigration law or evading immigration control. The relevant guidance document can be found here: Irregular or unlawful entry and arrival
The Government recognises the pressures facing the immigration and asylum system and public concern about illegal migration and is taking action to strengthen border security, tackle organised immigration crime and restore confidence in the system through the Restoring Order and Control programme, the Border Security Command and wider immigration reforms. Since the Government took office, over 80,000 people with no right to be in the UK have been removed or returned, while joint UK-French activity has prevented more than 48,000 attempted Channel crossings. The Home Office has also reported that the number of small boat crossings is down this year, with July 2026 recording the lowest number of arrivals for that month since 2020.
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