World Immigration News

Illegal working enforcement soars in drive to strengthen border security

Release Date: 2025-06-07
Media: GOV.UK
Summary: The UK has seen a 51% increase in immigration-related arrests since the most recent election, as part of the Home Office’s intensified crackdown on illegal working under the “Plan for Change.” From July 5, 2023, to May 31, 2024, Immigration Enforcement teams carried out 9,000 site visits, resulting in 6,410 arrests — a significant rise compared to the previous year.

The campaign focuses on employers who hire illegal workers under exploitative conditions, especially in sectors like restaurants, construction, and beauty salons. The government is also stepping up deportations, having removed nearly 30,000 people with no legal right to remain in the UK.

Employers are legally required to perform Right to Work checks, and those who fail face fines up to £60,000 per worker, director bans, or even imprisonment. The crackdown also includes extending these checks to the gig economy and zero-hours jobs.

Officials emphasize that illegal migrants are often misled by smuggling networks into believing they can work freely in the UK, only to face poor living and working conditions and the constant risk of arrest and removal. The enforcement campaign is part of broader efforts to regain control of the UK’s immigration and asylum system.
Tags: United Kingdom

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