France, May 22 -- The country intercepted more than 400 people attempting to cross the Channel so far this year, up from none in the whole of 2025, according to government figures in what local officials say is a spillover from neighbouring France, following a crackdown there.

"France has become stricter" toward migrants, said Jean-Marie Dedecker, mayor of the seaside town of Middelkerke.

"And when France gets stricter, they come to Belgium."

For years, migrants hoping to reach Britain in search of a better life have gathered in camps along the coast around the French city of Calais, before attempting to cross over.

Belgium has not witnessed the same influx, mainly because its coastline is significantly further away from British shore...