The UK Home Office has revoked nearly 2,000 migrant work visa licences in the past year more than double the previous 12 months. Officials say companies in sectors like care, hospitality, retail, and construction were caught underpaying, exploiting workers, or using visas to dodge immigration rules.

Migration Minister Mike Tapp said the crackdown proves Labour is putting British workers first, while better data-sharing has made it easier to catch rule-breakers. But critics argue immigration remains “sky-high” and businesses still rely heavily on migrant labour.

 Some firms warn the penalties threaten both their survival and workers’ livelihoods. The move marks one of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s first major announcements.