Brussels (AFP) – Unearthing small boats from under the sand at dawn before launching them towards Britain packed with people, migrant smugglers are increasingly operating from Belgium – to the concern of local authorities.
Issued on: 22/05/2026 - 04:34Modified: 22/05/2026 - 11:41
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The country intercepted more than 400 people attempting to cross the Channel so far this year, up from none in the whole of 2025, according to government figures in what local officials say is a spillover from neighbouring France, following a crackdown there. "France has become stricter" toward migrants, said Jean-Marie Dedecker, mayor of the seaside town of Middelkerke. "And when France gets stricter, they come to Belgium." For years, migrants hoping to reach Britain in search of a better life have gathered in camps along the coast around the French city of Calais, before attempting to cross over. Belgium has not witnessed the same influx, mainly because its coastline is significantly further away from British shores, which heightens the risk for those making the journey in flimsy, overcrowded boats. At its closest point, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) of water separates Belgium from England, compared to the about 30 kilometres that migrants have to cover when setting off from Calais.
