The document, labeled “official sensitive”, shows that almost three times as many migrants arriving in the UK from France came from Albania than any other nation. The report, seen by the Mail on Sunday, reveals that of the 2,863 migrants taken by nine separate people-smuggling gangs between June 1 and July 12, 1,075 – or 37.5 per cent – were Albanian. Although Albanians face economic hardship at home, particularly in the north, it has been a largely peaceful country since a 1997 civil war in which more than 2,000 people were killed. The total number of immigrants from Albania was much higher than from other countries. Iranians make up the next highest number, with 373 immigrants, or 13 percent of the total. There were 363 immigrants from Afghanistan (12.7%), 217 from Iraq (7.6%), 162 from Syria (5.7%) and 163 from Eritrea (5.7%).
Arrival “with economy immigration ticket”
Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, said the report proved people were arriving “on an economic immigration ticket” and abusing the asylum system. He added: “This is absolutely clear evidence – in the face of all those on the liberal Left who are shouting to let anyone in – that this is an economic issue and therefore it is hopeless to continue with Rwanda. program.” At least 28,526 people crossed the English Channel in small boats last year. Last Monday, 696 migrants arrived – a record number for this year. Richard Tice, the leader of Reform UK, which received the leaked report, said: “If these people are not really leaving for their lives, then it is not up to the British taxpayer to support them.” A government spokesman said: “People should always seek asylum in the first safe country they arrive at, rather than risking their lives and lining the pockets of ruthless criminal gangs to cross the Channel.”