The country wants to increase the maximum sentence of life imprisonment applicable to these migrants, who are currently serving 14 years in prison.
The changes, announced by the Interior Ministry, will be included in a bill to reform the asylum system to be discussed in the British Parliament on Tuesday amid a resurgence of illegal immigrant arrivals.
In the first half of 2021, the UK broke the record for the smallest number of migrants crossing the UK Channel, which separates the island of England from the mainland of Europe.
Nearly 6,000 immigrants crossed the channel illegally between January and June, with a total of 8,417 registered in 2020 soon to be violated.
In March, the Conservative government proposed reforming the asylum system to give priority to those entering the country legally.
According to the Interior Ministry, immigrants crossing the English Channel must first apply for asylum in EU countries, but “choose the UK as the preferred destination and use illegal means to get there”.
Minister Priti Patel said the law was “fair but firm”.
Steve Waltz-Symonds, head of Amnesty International in the UK, has been accused of “deliberately spreading myths and lies about asylum and immigration” and called for the establishment of “safe passages” for these people.
Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.