While the Labour government defends its policies as a means to restore order and prevent exploitation, the Opposition Conservative Party has dismissed the new bill as ineffective
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Calling it a “weak bill that won’t stop the boats,” the Conservatives demand stricter measures, including tougher restrictions on access to permanent residency for all migrants
The United Kingdom has intensified its efforts to curb illegal employment, with a significant focus on Indian restaurants, nail bars, convenience stores, and car washes, Mint reported.
The Home Office described the crackdown as a UK-wide operation aimed at addressing unlawful working conditions.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that Immigration Enforcement teams raided 828 premises in January, marking a 48% increase from the previous year. As a result, 609 individuals were arrested, reflecting a 73% rise compared to the same period last year, according to reports from PTI.
The enforcement drive has primarily targeted establishments in the food, drink, and tobacco sectors, with seven individuals arrested from an Indian restaurant in Humberside, northern England. Cooper emphasized the necessity of upholding immigration rules, stating, “For too long, employers have been able to exploit illegal migrants, and many have been able to work unlawfully without consequences.” She added that illegal employment not only undermines the immigration system and economy but also endangers vulnerable individuals who risk their lives crossing the Channel in small boats.
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Additionally, the UK has carried out large-scale deportation efforts, with bespoke charter flights returning over 800 individuals to various countries
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Among those deported were criminals convicted of serious offences, including drug-related crimes, theft, rape, and murder
The Labour-led government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is set to introduce the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill for a second reading in Parliament this week. The bill is designed to dismantle criminal networks responsible for smuggling migrants and to strengthen border security. It will empower law enforcement agencies to take swift action against organized crime gangs by allowing the seizure of mobile phones from individuals entering the UK illegally before their formal arrest.
Home Office statistics indicate a 38% increase in enforcement actions against illegal working between July 5 last year and January 31 this year compared to the same period the previous year. Authorities have issued 1,090 civil penalty notices, with employers facing fines of up to GBP 60,000 per worker if found in violation of immigration laws.
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