Record Crossings: The first half of 2024 saw Vietnamese migrants attempting more small-boat crossings than any other nationality to the UK.
Factors for Migration: Many are fleeing a sense of "relative deprivation," despite Vietnam's economy being one of the fastest-growing globally.
Risks Involved: Migrants face dangerous journeys and a risk of being trafficked into exploitative situations once in the UK.
Economic Disparities: Despite significant economic progress, average wages in Vietnam remain low, and informal job markets lack stability.
Continued Demand: Community perceptions of success stories from migration outweigh the risks, sustaining the demand for smugglers despite tragedies like the 2019 Essex incident.
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