Why Did Most Migrants Choose to Go to Calais, France?

Introduction

The question of why most of the migrants choose to go to Calais, France, instead of other European countries has long puzzled many. This article aims to demystify this phenomenon, exploring the various factors, including human smuggling, the betrayal of the Dublin Agreement, and the broader context of the EU's response to the migrant crisis. By understanding these dynamics, we can gain a better perspective on the challenges facing both migrants and European governments.

1. The Role of Human Smuggling

Despite the pervasive narrative about the UK being the sole destination for migrants, it is a stark reality that many have been duped by smugglers into believing that their only viable route is through Calais. Smugglers often exaggerate the ease and legality of reaching the UK, promising a quick and straightforward journey. However, the truth is quite different. Most migrants are far better off in other European countries like Germany or France, which offer more stable living conditions and better access to legal protection.

Migrants can face significant risks, including fraud, physical harm, and indefinite detention. In fact, only a tiny fraction of those who set out for the UK actually manage to make it, while most end up in other European countries. This not only reflects the deceptive nature of the smugglers but also highlights a systemic issue within the European migration system, where the promise of a better future in the UK is often a mirage.

2. The Betrayal of the Dublin Agreement

Another critical factor in the phenomenon of migrants choosing Calais is the perceived betrayal of the Dublin Agreement. This agreement, which aims to ensure that asylum seekers are identified and processed in the first European country where they seek asylum, has been undermined by the EU's often contradictory policies. The vindictive and punitive measures taken against the UK, as part of the EU's response to Brexit, have created a complex and unfair situation for migrants.

Ironically, the EU's directive to host and process a large number of these migrants in Calais is seen as a form of revenge against the UK for leaving the union. This has led to a situation where the EU is effectively herding migrants into Calais, rather than processing them in more equitable and humane ways. The lack of transparency and fairness in this process has angered many migrants and has further exacerbated the crisis at the Calais border.

3. Economic and Political Consequences

The cost of accommodating and processing these migrants in Calais is staggering. Daily, it costs taxpayers around ￡7 million for the accommodations and another significant amount for detention centers. This financial burden not only places a strain on the UK's economy but also diverts resources away from other critical areas, such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

To make matters worse, the presence of migrants in Calais is being exploited by those who are not truly in their best interests. Unscrupulous businesses, including some French fishermen, have taken advantage of the situation, plundering the UK's fishing grounds. Meanwhile, migrants who are unable to cross the channel are left in a precarious position, reliant on poorly managed camps and uncertain futures.

4. Legal and Ethical Considerations

While the Smuggling of Migrants is clearly illegal and unethical, it is also a symptom of a larger problem: the mismanagement and unfairness of the modern migration system. Migrants have a legal right to seek asylum, and if they choose to do so, it would be irrational to settle in remote areas like the French Alps, where opportunities for integration are limited.

The UK remains a destination for asylum seekers, but the road to reaching it is fraught with danger and deceit. Resetting the conditions of the Dublin Agreement and addressing the root causes of migration, such as political instability and economic inequality, would be more effective in resolving the crisis than the current approach of coping with the immediate fallout.

Conclusion

The choice of Calais as a destination for migrants is a complex issue, rooted in deception, political manipulation, and economic factors. By addressing these underlying issues, the EU and other governments can work toward a more just and humane migration system, one that respects the rights of migrants and provides them with the support they need to build new lives in a safe and stable environment.