Home Affairs said there was no evidence that the Channel Islands were being targeted by people smugglers and in any case the islands were well protected, including by border security arrangements and joined-up working between the authorities, as well as geography, particularly the strong currents off the east coast.
In addition, anyone seeking entry to the UK would still need to travel again, and the Bailiwick has arrangements in place allowing it to return migrants to their place of departure.
‘I am confident that the Bailiwick is not an easy route for these crime syndicates,’ said Home Affairs president Marc Leadbeater.
‘We are not a soft target, and we are simply not an attractive destination as a stepping stone for illegal entry into the UK because any crossing is unlikely to achieve the outcome that organised criminal groups are seeking. We will make sure it stays that way.’
Home Affairs issued reassurance following recent reports of a migrant vessel making a direct crossing from Normandy to Portsmouth which sailed much closer to the islands than most crossing attempts.
Deputy Leadbeater said that the authorities continued to take the issue seriously and worked with agencies in France, Jersey and the UK to remain well-informed and prepared. In 2024, three Albanian nationals were arrested after illegally travelling to the island on a pleasure craft, and they were returned to France.
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