Social media users promoting illegal routes into the United Kingdom face up to five years in prison starting Monday. The Home Office has activated new provisions under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act to crack down on adverts that help migrants circumvent immigration checks.
The new offence expands authorities' power to target social media content before migrants reach UK soil. Previously, immigration authorities could only act against online posts if they directly led to a proven migration offence.
Targeted Content
Examples of targeted content include a Stories-style post advertising "by truck – safe reach London UK" in two hours from France. A TikTok post in Pashto offered a "jet boat" service from France to London in one hour for 4,000 dollars. A Facebook comment in Pashto listed multiple destinations and included a phone number for travel arrangements.
Minister's Warning
Border security minister Alex Norris told the Press Association: "We are coming after you." He described social media ads as "truly sickening" in their promotion of life and work in the UK.
"To the people smugglers peddling this content, whether you are selling your vile trade online through 'golden package deals', supplying boat equipment or researching routes, we are coming after you," Norris said. "I will not stop until we've restored order and control to our borders."
Online Monitoring
The National Crime Agency's Online Communications Centre will monitor social media platforms for illegal content. Last year, the NCA shut down more than 10,000 social media accounts, pages and posts linked to people smuggling.
Supply Chain Crackdown
The government is also targeting the supply chain. Sir Keir Starmer has negotiated a deal with Chinese authorities to prevent smugglers from using Chinese-made boat motors. Government data shows 60 percent of boats crossing the Channel last year had motors made in China.
So far this year, 933 people have arrived in the UK via the English Channel. No dangerous journeys have occurred since January 20.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
