Albanian Migrants Top Arrivals by Small Boats – Why Are They Coming to UK?

Home Secretary Suella Braverman this week described the trend as an “invasion,” triggering a firestorm of criticism both in the UK and abroad.

Inside the Manston immigration short-term holding facility located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, UK, on Nov. 3.
Photographer: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

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By Ady Nugroho

November 4, 2022 at 8:25 AM UTC

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The number of Albanians crossing the English Channel on small boats has spiked over the past two years, with Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick saying they now account for 80% of people the government regards as arriving “illegally” in the UK.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman this week described the trend as an “invasion,” triggering a firestorm of criticism both in the UK and abroad — including from Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who said the rhetoric risks fuels xenophobic attacks against his countrymen. Here’s what to know.