According to the UK government, it has begun an unprecedented campaign to combat unlawful labor, with enforcement action hitting all-time highs in January.
In conjunction with the second reading of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill in Parliament on Monday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper made the most recent numbers public.
“Immigration Enforcement teams conducted 823 workplace raids across the country, a 48 percent increase from the previous year,” the Home Office reports.
“These efforts resulted in 609 arrests, which is a startling 73% increase over January 2023.”
A larger plan to break up smuggling networks and bring order back to the immigration system includes the increase in enforcement.
On Monday, February 10, 2025, the UK government posted a statement on its website titled “UK-wide blitz on illegal working to strengthen border security,” which includes all of these and many more details.
The regulations pertaining to immigration must be adhered to and upheld.
Cooper stated that too many people have been able to enter the country and work illegally without any enforcement action ever being taken, and that employers have been able to hire and exploit illegal migrants for far too long.
Attacking Unlawful Workplaces
Businesses that are known to hire illegal immigrants, such as car washes, restaurants, convenience stores, and nail salons, were the focus of the raids.
Among the notable operations were:
Cheshire: Immigration officers detained two people for having fake documents, and ten people were arrested at vape shops.
Humberside: Four people were detained and seven people were arrested following a raid on an Indian restaurant.
South London: Six people were arrested and four people were detained after a grocery store was stormed.
Additionally, the government increased the financial penalties it imposed on firms that were discovered to have hired unlawful workers, with fines of up to £60,000 per worker, according to the announcement.
Combating Smuggling Networks and Exploitation
The Home Office emphasized that many migrants are drawn to the UK under false pretenses, only to be met with harsh working conditions, low pay, and filthy living circumstances.
Additionally, illegal employers take use of this workforce while avoiding taxes, undercutting legal companies.
The government’s determination to combat illicit work was reiterated by Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance, and Crime.
“These numbers show my teams’ dedication to pursuing those who believe they can circumvent our immigration system,” he said.
“Hopefully, it sends a clear message that there is nowhere to hide from the law.”
Expulsions Hit All-Time Highs
In addition to conducting enforcement operations, the government has increased the number of people deported who have no legal right to stay in the UK.
Over 16,400 individuals have been removed since the last election, which is the most since 2018.
In some of the biggest removal operations in UK history, bespoke charter flights have returned over 800 offenders to their home nations.
Enhancing Border Protection
In order to reinforce the UK’s immigration regulations, the government has implemented a crackdown as part of its larger Plan for Change.
The Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill contains new legislation that will provide law enforcement the authority to break up smuggling networks.
This includes having the authority to confiscate cell phones from anyone who enter the UK unlawfully prior to their detention.
To further discourage illegal migration, the government has started a global awareness campaign aimed at prospective migrants.
People are also being alerted to the harsh realities of illegal labor and the repercussions of exploitation via social media campaigns in Albania and Vietnam.
A historic summit on border security
Meanwhile, on March 31 and April 1, the UK government will hold a high-profile Border Security Summit at Lancaster House in London to coordinate global efforts against unlawful migration.
The event will bring together delegates from over 40 countries, plus senior representatives from the European Union and other international institutions.
In order to combat the criminal gangs that compromise our border security and have been getting away with it for too long, Cooper confirmed, “We are increasing enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation.”
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