Britain's asylum system is in crisis.

The UK government says its system to deal with migrants is under "unprecedented strain," forcing the authorities to use hotels to accommodate undocumented people entering the country.

According to the latest data, more than 32,000 asylum seekers were being housed in hotels at the end of March. 

Demonstrations have been held outside asylum hotels by anti-immigration protesters, often met with counter-protests – and more are planned this weekend. 

Earlier this week, clashes took place outside migrant hotels in London but the protests first began in Epping on the outskirts of the capital, after an Ethiopian refugee residing there was charged with sexual assault for allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. 

Asylum hotel clashes

That protest sparked others across the country outside various hostels and hotels housing migrants, including Canary Wharf in London.

CGTN Europe went down to the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, where many asylum seekers are being housed. A few days previously, it was the site of one of the biggest clashes between anti- and pro-refugee groups.

Some anti-migrant protestors even attempted to break into the hotel, according to local police. Officers managed to stop the men from entering the premises, and they were subsequently banned from the area for 28 days.  

Pro-asylum groups have been organizing counter-rallies to show their support for refugees. They say the idea of a migrant crime wave has been exaggerated.

Number of illegal migrants on the rise

As for the migrants themselves, they continue to make the journey across the English Channel and in seemingly greater numbers.

The latest home office figures say the number of people entering the UK after crossing the Channel in small boats was up 51 percent compared with this point last year.

Israrullah Lodin, a 26-year-old Afghan refugee, says the situation in his home country meant there would always be people willing to make the illegal crossing to start a new life in the UK.

"When you leave your country, you can't go back, we can't go back, we have to reach our goal," he tells CGTN. "We are not afraid to die, you know, because there is a problem. If you go there (Afghanistan), I am dying. It's better to leave, I have to reach my destination."

One in, one out?

A new one-in, one-out migration deal has come into force after being announced last month by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Under the deal, France will accept the return of illegal migrants arriving in Britain by small boats. In return, the UK will allow an equal number of legitimate asylum seekers into the country who have British family connections.

The pilot scheme is expected to last 11 months, with the first migrants already detained under the new plan.

The UK government concedes it won't solve the crisis overnight, but it hopes this will be a significant turning point in securing the country's borders. Until then, tensions – and divisions – look set to increase.