What it measures
The daily and weekly figures count individuals detected arriving by small boats across the Channel. The Home Office also publishes a quarterly total for all detected illegal entry routes, which includes small boats, inadequately documented air arrivals and detections at ports.
How it is compiled
Figures come from Home Office operational systems and are published as provisional management information in the irregular migration statistics release, with breakdowns by nationality, age and sex where recorded.
What it is not
Detections are not the same as the total irregular migrant population — some people enter undetected, and detected arrivals may later be granted leave or removed. The Home Office does not publish religion or ethnicity for irregular arrivals, so this site shows none.