Eritrea leads UK illegal migration arrivals as Horn of Africa crossings rise

Eritrea has become the top nationality for illegal migrant arrivals in the UK, with 7,301 detections in the year ending March 2026, according to Home Office data. This marks the first time the East African country has led the rankings. Iran followed with 5,041 arrivals, Sudan with 4,893, Afghanistan with 4,626, and Somalia with 3,826, together accounting for roughly three-fifths of all detected illegal-route arrivals. Small boats dominate, making up about 90% of the 43,806 total detections, with 96% of Eritreans arriving this way. Overall crossings have fallen 43% so far in 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, but boats are fuller than ever, averaging 67 people per vessel. The shift reflects ongoing conflict and economic collapse in the Horn of Africa, replacing earlier peaks from Albanians, Iranians, and Afghans.