In the first half of 2024, Vietnamese migrants represented the highest number of small boat arrivals in the UK, surpassing those from countries with severe human rights violations. Despite Vietnam’s economic growth, many are driven by relative deprivation, seeking better lives abroad due to income disparities and limited opportunities. The risks associated with migration, such as human trafficking and perilous boat journeys, do not deter migrants, influenced by stories of success from those who have previously emigrated.