London:
In a bold move echoing the stringent immigration policies of former US President Donald Trump, the UK’s Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has initiated a widespread crackdown on illegal immigrant workers. This “UK-wide blitz” on illegal working has specifically targeted Indian restaurants, nail bars, convenience stores, and car washes that employ undocumented migrant workers.
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is at the helm of this initiative, which has seen a significant escalation in enforcement actions. The crackdown is not only about raids but also involves the use of bespoke charter flights to deport undocumented immigrants, a strategy that has drawn comparisons to Trump’s immigration enforcement methods.
The Home Office reported a record-breaking January, with raids conducted on 828 premises, marking a 48% increase from the previous year. This surge in enforcement resulted in 609 arrests, a 73% rise from the previous year. The focus of these raids was predominantly on the food and drink sector, including Indian restaurants and takeaways. A notable example is the raid on an Indian restaurant in Humberside, northern England, which led to seven arrests and four detentions.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the critical need to enforce immigration rules to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and to deter dangerous migration attempts. “The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants, and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken,” Cooper stated. This exploitation not only endangers lives but also abuses the immigration system and harms the economy.
Between July 5, 2024, and January 31, 2025, actions against illegal working increased by 38%, with 1,090 civil penalty notices issued. Employers found liable face fines of up to GBP 60,000 per illegal worker. The government has also utilized bespoke charter flights to deport over 800 individuals, including those convicted of serious offenses such as drug trafficking, theft, rape, and murder. These deportation flights are among the largest in UK history.
The Labour government is set to introduce the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill for its second reading in Parliament this week. This bill aims to grant law enforcement additional powers to combat organised crime gangs involved in human smuggling. Key provisions include the ability to seize mobile phones from individuals entering the UK illegally before their formal arrest. The bill is designed to dismantle the criminal networks that undermine the UK’s border security.
However, the Opposition Conservative Party has criticized the bill, labeling it a “weak measure that won’t stop the boats.” They advocate for stricter reforms, including limitations on migrants’ access to permanent residency.
In addition to enforcement actions, the government has launched an international campaign to deter illegal entry into the UK. Social media adverts in Vietnam and Albania highlight the harsh realities faced by migrants who enter the UK illegally, exposing the false promises of people smugglers. This campaign is part of a broader strategy to safeguard vulnerable individuals and protect the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.
Since the Labour government took office in July 2024, nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and illegal migrants have been removed from the UK, marking the highest removal levels since 2018. This crackdown underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting the most vulnerable workers from exploitation.
