UK Border Force have been intercepted 49 migrants on board three dinghies sailing towards the Kent coast, the Home Office has confirmed.
The 43 male and six female passengers were found between 5am and 6am on Sunday.
Their nationalities and medical conditions have not been given.
The Home Office has said they are being interviewed by immigration officials.
Meanwhile, a further 31 people were prevented in France from travelling to the UK.
Minister for immigration compliance Chris Philp said: "We are all working night and day to dismantle and arrest the criminal gangs who trade in people smuggling.
"Criminals are abusing vulnerable men, women and children by trafficking them across the Channel.
"This illegal and criminal activity is subject to heavy law enforcement activity by Border Force, the National Crime Agency, Immigration Enforcement and French law enforcement."
Home Secretary Priti Patel has been in touch with her French counterpart this week to discuss new approaches to tackling the issue and how more migrants can be returned to France, according to the Home Office.
The Government said coronavirus has had no impact on the response to small boat incidents, and Border control staff have PPE available to them.
So far in 2020, over 10 people smugglers have been convicted and put behind bars as a result of Immigration Enforcement investigations.
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