The UK government is taking strong action against unlawful work. Enforcement agents searched 828 establishments in January, including restaurants, car washes, and nail salons. A total of 609 people were arrested as a result of these activities, representing a 73% increase over the previous year. “This sends a strong message to those working illegally,” the Home Office warns.
Raids Across the Country
Authorities targeted companies that were known to employ people without legal status. Targeted establishments included grocery stores, nail salons, and takeout joints.
Raids were also conducted on a supermarket store in South London and vape shops in Cheshire. Many of the people who were arrested had either overstayed their lawful visas or crossed the Channel illegally.
Video of the arrests was made public by the Home Office. Minister Dame Angela Eagle justified the action, saying it was necessary to reveal the truth about illegal labour. She maintained that demonstrating enforcement in action serves to dissuade prospective migrants who smugglers’ misleading claims have duped.
Labour politicians are feeling the pressure on immigration. Some party members are concerned about losing supporters to Reform UK seven months after a significant election victory. Some advocate for additional legal migration channels and a shift in emphasis to the benefits of immigration, while others support stricter enforcement.
Fines, Arrests, and Deportations
Authorities conducted 5,424 site visits and made 3,930 arrests between July and January. Those who were found to have employed unauthorised labour were issued 1,090 civil penalty notices. Fines for companies found guilty can reach £60,000 for each unauthorised employee.
Moreover, the government increased deportations. Four of the biggest return flights in UK history, according to the Home Office, involved the removal of over 800 persons. Critics, such as Nigel Farage of Reform UK, contend that these initiatives are insufficient. In January alone, he noted, 1,098 migrants entered the UK aboard small boats.
Officials are also lessening the dependency on hotels for asylum seekers. By the end of March, nine of the 218 hotels that house migrants will be closed, according to Dame Angela.
Stronger Measures to Deter Illegal Entry
The government is employing a multifaceted strategy. An Albanian and Vietnamese social media campaign cautions against unauthorised migration. Real-life accounts of migrants who experienced debt, exploitation, and substandard living conditions are featured in the campaign. According to authorities, it counters the internet disinformation of smugglers.
MPs will discuss the Immigration, Asylum, and Border Security Bill later in the day. The bill proposes more stringent legislation against human smuggling. Additionally, the Conservatives have proposed changes that would lengthen the time it takes for immigrants to get British citizenship and indefinite leave to remain.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, rejected the measure, claiming it was insufficient to prevent unauthorised crossings. Additionally, he chastised Labour for abandoning the contentious Rwanda deportation plan.
FAQS
What sanctions are imposed on employers who hire unauthorised workers?
Companies that hire unauthorised workers risk fines of up to £60,000 per employee. If they intentionally employed people who were not authorised to work in the UK, they might also be charged with a crime.
What was the rationale behind the UK government’s release of the raid footage?
In defence of the action, Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle said it was vital to highlight the realities of illegal labour and discourage others from trying to enter the country unlawfully.
