UK Cracks Down: 6,000+ Arrests in Illegal Work Blitz

Since the most recent election, immigration enforcement across the UK has seen a major surge, resulting in over 6,000 arrests and 9,000 site visits as part of a government crackdown on illegal working. These efforts, led by Immigration Enforcement teams, have produced a 51% rise in arrests and a 48% increase in operational visits compared to the same period the year prior (from 5 July 2023 to 31 May 2024 under the previous government).

The heightened activity is part of the Home Office’s broader “Plan for Change,” aimed at tackling abuse of the immigration system and dismantling the false promises made by smuggling gangs to those entering the UK illegally. These gangs often lure individuals with the promise of work and better living conditions, only for them to end up in exploitative environments, living in poor housing, earning below the minimum wage, and working long, illegal hours.

A key priority of this initiative has been targeting employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers, thereby fuelling exploitation. Businesses such as restaurants, nail salons, construction firms, and other workplaces across towns, cities, and rural communities have been subject to enforcement visits. Employers who fail to conduct legal Right to Work checks now face penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, director disqualification, and possible prison terms of up to five years.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, has strongly stated that the government will no longer tolerate the exploitation of migrants by unscrupulous employers. She emphasized that increased enforcement and tougher laws are essential to regain control of the UK’s immigration and asylum systems.

Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at Immigration Enforcement, praised the dedication and professionalism of enforcement teams operating across the UK, underlining the importance of their work in both protecting vulnerable people and holding offenders accountable.

Recent high-profile enforcement actions include:

• A coordinated operation in March at a Belfast construction site in the Titanic Quarter, where 36 individuals were arrested for visa violations and working without permission.

• An operation in Surrey in May, which resulted in 9 arrests at a caravan park following reports of illegal employment in the gig economy.

• Another operation in Bradford in March, where 9 people were detained at a known illegal working pick-up point in Naples Street.

In addition to direct enforcement, the government is also introducing tougher laws to strengthen employer obligations—particularly in industries such as construction, food delivery, courier services, and beauty salons—by expanding the requirement to carry out Right to Work checks for gig economy and zero-hours workers.

These measures form a central part of the UK Government’s broader effort to restore order to the asylum and immigration system. Officials have reiterated that many people entering the UK illegally are deceived by smuggling networks and face bleak conditions, exploitation, and eventual arrest and removal.

The Home Office has also confirmed the return of nearly 30,000 individuals who had no legal right to remain in the UK, reinforcing the message that illegal working and immigration abuse will not be tolerated.