Why Syrians are among top five nationalities crossing the Channel- Refugee Council

Refugee Council, a non -profit organization that stands up for the rights of refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK, has shed light on why Syrians are one of the five nationalities that make up the highest percentage of refugees crossing the Channel.

Explaining the reason, Refugee Council which also supports and empowers people to live safe, dignified and fulfilling lives said “Syria has been in a long-lasting war, causing many people to lose their homes and lives. A recent earthquake made things even worse, pushing more Syrians to look for safety in other countries, including the UK. Because of the regime, unlawful detentions and the use of torture are frequent, and millions are experiencing food insecurity.

“Even though Syrians still face danger in their home country, it’s become much harder to find safe ways to get to the UK since the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) closed in 2021. Resettlement for Syrian refugees has decreased by 87% in the last four years, with only 382 Syrians resettled in the year ending June 2023 compared to 2932 four years ago.”

Continuing, the organisation said: “The number of Syrians crossing the Channel has consistently increased by a significant amount every year over the last four years, rising from 286 four years ago to 2,826 in the year ending June 2023. Of those 2,826 Syrian nationals, 99% would be recognised as refugees if the UK Government processed their asylum applications.

“The Government’s new ‘Illegal Migration’ Act will prohibit Syrian people who arrive to