Rishi Sunak has said that the “vast majority” of Albanian nationals arriving in the UK without visas will be removed immediately to their homeland under tough new rules being introduced by the government.

The move forms part of a five-point package to reform the handling of people arriving across the English Channel in small boats, including raising the burden of proof for individuals claiming to be victims of modern slavery.

Mr Sunak also promised legislation next year to introduce an “annual quota on numbers” and to ensure that anyone arriving in the UK by illegal routes will be “detained and swiftly returned” and will not be able to delay their removal by “spurious claims”.

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“The only way to come to the UK for asylum will be through safe and legal routes,” he told MPs. “And as we get a grip of illegal migration, we will create more of those routes, we will work with the UNHCR to identify those most in need so the UK remains a safe haven for the most vulnerable and we will introduce an annual quota on numbers set by parliament.”

Read more: Independent