Hundreds of individuals have been expelled from the UK following Home Office operations targeting eateries, fast food delivery drivers, beauty parlors, and car wash facilities.
According to the Home Office, arrests for illegal employment surged by 63%, resulting in the removal of over 1,050 migrants in the largest enforcement action on record. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that this crackdown would deter individuals from attempting to reach the UK via small boats.
Ms. Mahmood emphasized, “Illegal employment serves as an incentive for those seeking to enter the country unlawfully. This will no longer be tolerated.”
She added, “Individuals caught engaging in illegal work at beauty parlors, car washes, or as delivery drivers will be apprehended, detained, and deported from the country.”
Ms. Mahmood affirmed her commitment to safeguarding Britain’s borders, stating, “I will take all necessary measures to secure our borders.” Recent statistics released by the government reveal that more than 8,000 migrants were arrested in over 11,000 Immigration Enforcement raids from October of the previous year to September 2025.
Alex Norris, the Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, commended the figures but acknowledged the need for further action by the government.
In response to questions about the raids during an interview on Times Radio, Mr. Norris expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, highlighting the significant number of arrests and deportations resulting from the enforcement efforts.
Despite being challenged about the success rate in light of the high number of arrests, Mr. Norris maintained that the results were excellent and emphasized the government’s intention to intensify enforcement measures further.
He stated, “We are determined to take additional steps, leveraging the full extent of the law. While we have achieved record enforcement levels, we must push even harder.”
Mr. Norris also noted the government’s increased efforts to combat legal challenges to deportations.
The government’s commitment of £5 million to Operation Sterling aimed at combating unauthorized employment has led to a 63% increase in arrests and a 51% rise in inspections.
To prevent individuals from slipping through the cracks, the scope of right-to-work checks is being expanded. Employers failing to conduct these checks may face imprisonment, fines of £60,000 per illegal worker, and business closure.
While current laws mandate right-to-work checks for companies with traditional employment contracts, ministers seek to close a loophole requiring casual, temporary, or subcontracted workers to verify their eligibility to work in the UK.
A consultation will be conducted to gather input from businesses on existing recruitment processes and provide guidance on enhancing right-to-work verification procedures.
Additionally, food delivery companies like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats have enhanced real-identity and right-to-work checks on their platforms to address concerns regarding illegal employment.
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