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Staff members at a migrant processing centre in Kent have shared how asylum seekers are so exhausted they "sleep like the dead". Up to 1,000 people are processed at Manston every day after making the journey across the English Channel in small boats.

A record 28,288 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year so far, making the total 46% more than by the same date in 2024.

Six staff members at Manston have now spoken to The Guardian about what it's like inside the site and painted a bleak picture.

One said asylum seekers arrive having not slept or eaten for several days.

They told the newspaper: "They are so tired they sleep like the dead.

"They are constantly bleary-eyed. Some even seem to be sleeping while they're walking."

Another added: "Sometimes they can be sitting on hard chairs from 2.30am until 9.30am with no access to fresh air. If they want to go to the toilet they have to put their hand up to ask. English people would go berserk if they were treated like that.

"Some have fuel burns, crush injuries or hypothermia from their journeys. Many, including the children, are scratching themselves raw from having the salty sea water on their bodies."

While a third worker said an asylum seeker from Afghanistan told them: 'If you paid me a million pounds, I would never go on that sea again. Every minute of my journey on the dinghy I thought I was going to die.'

The number of people taken to A&E from the site has increased almost sevenfold between 2022 and 2024, The Guardian reported, citing figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

People have reportedly been taken to hospital for crush injuries from the dinghies, fractures and infectious diseases.

There have been concerns regarding overcrowding and conditions at Manston.

Staff said conditions at the site have improved but many who spoke to The Guardian reportedly said it is still inadequate.

The alleged mistreatment of asylum seekers at Manston is being investigated as part of an independent inquiry.

Some migrants held at the site in the second half of 2022 are pursuing legal action against the Home Office, claiming unlawful detention and other rights breaches.

According to reports, people are only supposed to stay at the site for 24 hours before moving on to hotels, but some stay longer.

Ministers are reportedly ready to send more than 100 small boats arrivals back across the Channel. Sir Keir Starmer is tipped to implement his One In, One Out migrant deal with France within weeks amid mounting criticism of his approach to small boat crossings.