Facts on UK immigration - UK immigration facts

People smugglers will tell you that travelling illegally to the UK will be safe and easy and that you’ll be able to build a good life here. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Travelling to the UK illegally will cost you a lot of money. It could even cost you your life. Men, women and children have died trying to get to the UK in small boats or hidden in lorries.

Get the facts

UK immigration rules mean you could be detained and removed if you come to the UK illegally. Here’s what you need to know.

Risks of illegal migration

Travelling to the UK illegally is very dangerous. Even if you survive the journey, there are many risks once you reach the UK. Find out more about the risks.

Sinking small boat that is overloaded with people

Reality of life in the UK

Criminal gangs tell lies about how easy it is to get to the UK and how life will be better. The reality is very different. Hear the real stories of people who have come to the UK illegally.

Police car's blue light with blurred city streets in the background

UK immigration rules

Immigration rules in the UK are far stricter than people think. Find out more about the laws that affect people who have entered the UK illegally.

Union Jack flag with blue sky and clouds in the background

I think they are sold something different by the people smugglers…a better future, a better life. But the reality is very different.
Kendal, Immigration Enforcement Officer

Want to know the truth about what it’s really like to try entering the UK and living here illegally? Hear UK officials share the traumatic stories they’ve witnessed.

Read a transcript of the video

[0:00] On screen:

The RISKS of travelling illegally to the UK

[0:05] On screen:

SMEENA

Border Force Officer

[0:05] Smeena:

People smugglers are risking lives, human lives, just to gain money.

It’s not worth the risk for life. I’ve seen people suffer family deaths during these journeys and you know, at the time they would say ‘was this really worth it?’

[0:25] On screen:

ANCIL

Immigration Enforcement Officer

[0:25] Ancil:

I’ve been down to Dover Folkstone and I’ve seen these inflatable boats coming in with illegal migrants and the conditions are awful.

I’ve seen people on the verge of hypothermia, I’ve seen children come in with no life jackets.

From time to time, they would take off late at night, freezing cold waters… between the busiest shipping channel between here and France and these are the things I have witnessed personally.

[0:52] On screen:

SMEENA

Border Force Officer

[0:52] Smeena: The boats that they’re using are un-seaworthy. They are manmade, often. And most often, put together with tape. They’re just not safety compliant. Also, by providing them with safety equipment such as life jackets – often using inner tires from motorcycles and cars. God forbid, but if anybody falls in the water, how is this gonna protect them?

[1:24] On screen:

PAUL

Border Force Officer

[1:24] Paul: Do you really need to put yourself in any more danger by crossing the Channel? Whether that be on a small boat, in the back of a lorry. Unfortunately, the worst does happen sometimes. Do you want to be part of that?

[1:40] End frame with UK Government logo:

Trying to enter the UK illegally could cost you everything. Don’t take the risk. Get the facts on illegal migration.

Find out more about what life is really like for people who enter the UK illegally.

Safe and legal routes. The only way to the UK.

If you want to come to the UK for a better life, the only way to do so is to come here though safe and legal routes, or regular visa routes.

Find out more on safe and legal routes.