Unpacking the “Pull Factors”: Why Migrants Choose the UK Amidst Channel Crossings

In an effort to stem the rising tide of Channel crossings, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have committed to seeking “new and innovative solutions.” Despite substantial UK investment aimed at preventing small boat departures from French shores, migrant arrivals in the UK have reached unprecedented levels this year. A key argument put forth by French authorities points to the UK’s perceived leniency towards undocumented workers as a significant draw.

This report from BBC Verify investigates the evidence behind this claim and other purported “pull factors” that entice asylum seekers to choose the UK as their destination. The analysis delves into the intricacies of the UK’s informal economy, the legal framework governing asylum seekers’ right to work, and the adequacy of state support, offering a nuanced perspective on a critical geopolitical issue.

The Informal Economy: A UK Draw?

The notion that the UK’s informal economy, often characterized by untaxed labor and employment without proper documentation, acts as a magnet for asylum seekers has been a recurring theme in discussions, particularly from the French government. However, empirical evidence presents a more complex picture. Research from the European Parliament suggests that the UK’s informal economy, estimated at around 11% of the total economy in 2022, is actually smaller than that of France (14%) and the average across 31 European countries (17%).

While the informal economy inherently offers opportunities for irregular employment, the UK government acknowledges the need for enhanced enforcement. The Home Office has reportedly intensified its efforts, with a notable increase in employer visits and arrests for illegal working. Fines issued to employers have also seen a significant rise, indicating a governmental push to curb unauthorized employment. Despite these measures, former Prime Minister Tony Blair and several Labour MPs have advocated for a UK-wide digital identification system, similar to those in many EU countries, as a more robust tool to verify an individual’s right to work and combat “off-the-books” employment. Yet, the effectiveness of digital IDs in countries with sizable informal economies remains a subject of debate.

Navigating the Legal Labour Market

Compared to many of its European counterparts, the UK’s legal framework for asylum seekers seeking employment while their claims are processed is more restrictive. In the UK, asylum seekers can only apply for work permission if they have been awaiting an initial decision for over a year. Even then, they can only apply for jobs listed on the immigration salary list. Data on the number of asylum seekers granted work permission is not readily available.

In stark contrast, France permits asylum seekers to apply for a work permit six months after submitting their asylum application, while Italy allows job seeking 60 days after application. Despite these policy differences, experts like Madeleine Sumption from Oxford University’s Migration Observatory express skepticism about the UK being a primary draw due to right-to-work policies alone, given the similarities in regulations and challenges faced by both countries. She highlights that more influential factors likely include the prevalence of English language speakers, existing family ties within the UK, and the pervasive narrative, often amplified by people smugglers, that the UK is a desirable place to live.

State Support and its Influence

The provision of state support to asylum seekers in the UK involves providing accommodation and a weekly allowance for essential needs, typically loaded onto a pre-paid debit card. While this support is not classified as welfare benefits, it does offer a safety net. Children of asylum seekers are entitled to state education, and in some cases, free school meals. This contrasts with many migrants in Calais, who, not having applied for asylum in France, receive limited support, primarily from charities.

Research consistently indicates that state benefits are not a significant “pull factor.” Studies suggest that a country’s likelihood of recognizing refugee status and the opportunities for family reunification are far more influential. Expert analysis implies that minor adjustments to benefit systems are unlikely to have a substantial impact on migration flows. Conversely, robust border control and processing policies appear to have a more significant deterrent effect.

Understanding “Push Factors”

Beyond the “pull factors” within destination countries, researchers emphasize the critical role of “push factors” – conditions in migrants’ countries of origin, such as conflict, political instability, and persecution. The current surge in asylum applications is not unique to the UK; it reflects a broader European trend, with countries like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy experiencing significant increases. In 2024, these nations recorded higher absolute numbers of asylum applications than the UK.

Additional reporting by Tamara Kovacevic and Rob England

What do you want BBC Verify to investigate?