IRC UK Responds to Home Office Net Migration Figures

London, United Kingdom, May 21, 2026 —  Responding to the publication of the Home Office's Net Migration figures to March 2026 by the Home Office, Flora Alexander, IRC UK Executive Director, said,

 “Behind today’s headline drop in net migration is a more troubling reality: people in greatest need of protection are still reaching Britain through dangerous journeys, because safe routes are being closed off.

While arrivals through resettlement, family reunion and bespoke schemes have fallen by 25%, more than 60% of people arriving on small boats are from countries with significant protection needs, including Afghanistan, Sudan, Iran, Somalia and Eritrea. The need for safety has not diminished – but access to safe pathways has.

Over the past year, Afghan resettlement routes have closed to new applicants, refugee family reunion has been suspended, and there is still no clear long-term direction for the UK’s resettlement scheme.

If the Government is serious about reducing dangerous Channel crossings, it must expand safe and accessible routes for people seeking protection.”

ENDS