The human traffickers trying to get boat migrants across the Channel to the UK are diverting to Belgium

Smugglers are shifting their operations from France to Belgium, with a notable decrease in migrant crossings in the Channel this year. Recent incidents include a boat carrying Afghan migrants found in Dutch waters, marking a rare occurrence. Factors contributing to the decline in crossings include increased French patrols and stricter UK asylum rules. Despite the drop in numbers, migration remains a contentious political issue in the UK, with public awareness lagging behind actual statistics. The UK government is also enhancing cooperation with European nations to combat smuggling activities.