Unlawful migrants transported to the UK via perilous £350 inflatable boats, openly marketed through clandestine Chinese manufacturing hubs
In recent times, the issue of illegal migration across the English Channel has become a significant concern. Here's a closer look at the role Chinese-made dinghies are playing in this crisis.
- Chinese-Made Dinghies and People Smuggling
Backstreet factories in China have been selling dinghies online to people smugglers. These dinghies, often priced around £350, are reportedly used to transport migrants across the English Channel. The total number of seized small boats in relevant locations this year is 45.
- Record Migrant Crossings
The use of these dinghies has contributed to the record numbers of migrants crossing the Channel. In August 2025, a "mega dinghy" carried 107 migrants, setting a new record for the largest number of people to arrive in a single vessel.
- Concerns Over Safety and Seaworthiness
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has likely expressed concerns about the seaworthiness and safety of these dinghies. However, specific details on their concerns are not mentioned in the available reports. The NCA is involved in efforts to combat smuggling and would be concerned with the potential risks to life posed by these vessels.
- The UK-France Migrant Return Agreement
The UK and France have implemented a "one-for-one" migrant return agreement, allowing for the exchange of illegal arrivals for legitimate asylum-seekers. This deal aims to deter dangerous Channel crossings but has been criticized for its limited deterrent effect.
- The Role of Online Marketplaces
The dinghies are advertised through the Chinese e-commerce site Alibaba.com. Alibaba has stated that search terms like "refugee boat" or "immigrant boat" are in violation of their listings policies. However, it's important to note that the inflatables advertised on Alibaba are designed, certified, and intended for lawful purposes according to Alibaba.
- Workshops in France and Beyond
Workshops in northern France produce flimsy dinghies for people smugglers. This week, at least 25 small boats destined for migrant crossings in the Channel were seized in Bulgaria.
- The Demographic of Migrants
The majority of the fully-loaded dinghies that have crossed to the UK this year carry young men. The boats, typically 8m long, can carry more than 30 people. To date, a total of 27,881 migrants have crossed to the UK in these boats this year.
The Foreign Office has sanctioned Chinese firm Weihai Yamar Outdoors Product Co for advertising online inflatable boats for people smuggling. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has criticized the government for not stopping the sale of Chinese-made boats in France. The issue of illegal migration across the English Channel is a complex one, with ongoing efforts by authorities to address the crisis.
- The Foreign Office imposed sanctions on Chinese firm Weihai Yamar Outdoors Product Co for advertising online inflatable boats used in people smuggling.
- The use of smartphones and gadgets by migrants has also become a concern in the context of general-news, as authorities track the digital footprint of migrant crossings and crime-and-justice activities. For instance, investigators often analyze the data from seized smartphones to trace people smuggling networks.
