UK to Impose Sanctions on Chinese Boat Makers to Curb Illegal Immigration

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The United Kingdom announced plans to establish a new sanctions regime targeting networks involved in human smuggling, particularly focusing on the Chinese manufacturers of boats used by migrants. This decision, revealed by Foreign Minister David Lammy on January 9, 2025, responds to rising political pressure to reduce the number of migrants arriving by small boats from France.

Under this initiative, the UK government aims to disrupt the financial operations of smuggling gangs and penalize individuals linked to people-smuggling activities. Interior Minister Yvette Cooper emphasized the commitment to protect lives and tackled those profiting from dangerous crossings.

The sanctions are expected to be implemented by the end of the year and will include measures to prevent entry into Britain for those involved in these networks and freeze their assets. In 2024, over 36,800 migrants crossed into the UK, a 25% increase compared to the previous year, with many risking their lives on perilous journeys across busy shipping routes.

The UK government's departure from previous policies, such as the controversial plan to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda, marks a shift towards dismantling human trafficking operations. The Chinese Embassy has not yet commented on this announcement, which aims to safeguard both migrants and the security of British borders.

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