United Kingdom: The government of UK has initiated a new phase of its worldwide campaign to caution migrants about the results of entering the UK illegally.
The Home Secretary launched the drive in Vietnam, building on the thriving social media campaign that took place in Albania last year. The campaign in Albania led to a 90 percent reduction in Albanian small boat arrivals.
Criminal gangs smuggle thousands of people into the UK through one of the world’s most active shipping lanes every year to make a profit. A series of adverts use real-life testimonies of people who regretted illegally entering the UK, to indicate the threats and outcomes of depending on criminal gangs.
It is observed that an upsurging number of small boat settlers are from Vietnam, and they rank among the top 10 nationalities for illegal crossings of the Channel. To prevent these dangerous and unlawful journeys to the UK, the latest phase of the campaign involves using social media ads on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. These ads will be targeted at individuals who may be considering such journeys.
The social media posts highlight the repercussions of illegal travel to the UK and the potential dangers that individuals may face. In addition, they outline the risks of being used and indebted to the people smuggling gangs that benefit from enabling small boat crossings.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said that, “This is a powerful campaign which demonstrates first-hand that life for people arriving here illegally is a far cry from the lies they have been sold by the gangs on the other side of the Channel. Last year, similar work contributed to a 90 percent reduction in small boat arrivals from Albania, and overall numbers are down by a third, but there is more to do.”
“Expanding our campaign to Vietnam, another key partner in our work to tackle illegal migration, will help us to save more lives and dent the business model of the criminals who profit from this vile trade,” Cleverly added.
With the campaign, prospective migrants are warned of the reality of living in the UK illegally without access to public services. Smugglers often sell illegal migrants into modern slavery or illegal working, as evidenced by the testimonies of Home Office Immigration Enforcement and Border Force officers.
The circumstances in which illegal migrants live can be inhumane, cramped and hazardous, and they hold no access to basic hygiene, healthcare, or legal employment.
The global migration crisis is the focus of a new phase of the UK government’s campaign. This follows their triumphant social media efforts in Albania, France, and Belgium. The government is committed to working collaboratively with other countries worldwide to address this crisis.
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