Islands are 'unattractive target' for migrants

Migrant smuggling networks see the bailiwick as an "unattractive target", according to officials responsible for policing and borders.

It follows reports of a migrant vessel crossing directly from Normandy to Portsmouth and passing much closer to the islands than is usual for small boat crossings.

The Committee for Home Affairs said there was "currently no evidence to suggest the Channel Islands are being actively targeted" and the islands were well protected by their geography and border arrangements.

The committee's president Deputy Marc Leadbeater said the States of Guernsey was "not complacent" and had well-established plans to respond to any incident.

The committee said strong currents around the islands presented a significant obstacle to small vessels, while anyone attempting to reach the UK via Guernsey would still need to make an onward journey.

It added the bailiwick has separate immigration and asylum processes from the UK, meaning people who arrived in small boats would be returned to the jurisdiction they had left from.

The committee said those factors meant the islands were unlikely to be considered an attractive route by people-smuggling networks.

Leadbeater said developments would continue to be monitored.

"We take these issues seriously and continue to work closely with partners in France, Jersey and the UK to ensure we have access to the latest intelligence and are prepared for a range of scenarios," he said.

"I am confident that the bailiwick is not an easy route for these crime syndicates.

"We will make sure it stays that way."

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