More than 700 migrants crossed the Channel on Saturday after a four-week gap in small boat crossings, according to the latest Home Office figures.
The arrival in Dover of 737 migrants on 11 boats marked the end of the longest period without any small boat crossings in seven years.
It brings the total number of people making the Channel crossing so far this year to 40,029, surpassing 2024, when there were 36,816 for the entire year.
The last recorded arrivals before Saturday were on 14 November, marking the longest uninterrupted stretch since 2018.
December is typically a quieter month for crossings due to adverse weather conditions and this is thought to have contributed to the lull.
In recent months, the UK government has ramped up efforts to tackle small boat crossings but the measures are not expected to have an immediate impact.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy met ministers from other European nations last week to discuss reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights that would make it easier to deport illegal migrants.
In November, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced asylum changes that include making refugee status in the UK temporary and subject to review every 30 months.
The changes would also see refugees sent home if their country is deemed safe.
The UK government’s “one in, one out” agreement with France began in August and as of 27 November 2025, 153 people had been returned through the scheme.
A Home Office spokesperson said previously the “number of small boat crossings are shameful and the British people deserve better”.
“This government is taking action,” they added. “We have removed almost 50,000 people who were here illegally and our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back.”
