Migrant crossings by boat to UK up sharply in January

Six times as many migrants crossed the English Channel between northern Europe and the UK in January compared with the same month last year.

Home Office figures showed 1,341 people made the journey last month, up from 223 in January 2021. The number of migrants attempting the risky crossing hit a record high in 2021, despite the UK handing France tens of millions of pounds to improve anti-smuggling operations on its northern beaches.

The higher numbers have been attributed to tighter security around Channel ports and lorry stops, with migrants turning to smuggling gangs who use small boats and charge thousands of dollars for a seat.

The figures also showed the trend was continuing for smugglers to use larger boats and pack them with more people to maximise their profits.

At least 27 people died in November when a boat capsized, highlighting the perilous nature of crossing one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Migrants on board a UK Border Force vessel after being picked up at sea. AFP

The UK government has proposed new laws to increase the penalties for smugglers and to develop offshore processing centres to try to deter people from making the journey.

More than 28,000 migrants crossed to the UK in small boats in 2021, three times the figure from the previous year.

The Times reported on Tuesday that government forecasts suggest that 65,000 people will attempt the crossing this year, but the figure could be as high as 90,000.

At a glance

Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year

Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month

Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30

Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse

Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth

Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

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The specs

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Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
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On Women's Day

Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action

Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?

Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality

The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?

Try out the test yourself

Q1 Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2 per cent per year. After five years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?
a) More than $102
b) Exactly $102
c) Less than $102
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer

Q2 Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1 per cent per year and inflation was 2 per cent per year. After one year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account?
a) More than today
b) Exactly the same as today
c) Less than today
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer

Q4 Do you think that the following statement is true or false? “Buying a single company stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.”
a) True
b) False
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer

The “Big Three” financial literacy questions were created by Professors Annamaria Lusardi of the George Washington School of Business and Olivia Mitchell, of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Answers: Q1 More than $102 (compound interest). Q2 Less than today (inflation). Q3 False (diversification).

How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now

Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.

The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.

1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):

a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33

b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.

2. For those who have worked more than five years

c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.

Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.