Hundreds of individuals have been expelled from the UK following enforcement actions by the Home Office at eateries, delivery services, beauty parlors, and car wash facilities. The Home Office reported a 63% surge in arrests for illegal employment, resulting in the removal of over 1,050 migrants in the most extensive crackdown to date. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that these measures aim to discourage illegal entry into the UK via small boats.
Ms. Mahmood highlighted the negative impact of illegal employment, stating that it incentivizes unlawful entry into the country. Those caught working illegally in beauty salons, car washes, or as delivery drivers face arrest, detention, and deportation. She affirmed a commitment to safeguarding the UK’s borders, with new legislation imposing up to five years of imprisonment for employers hiring illegal workers.
Recent government data revealed that over 8,000 migrants were detained following 11,000 enforcement operations conducted by Immigration Enforcement from October of the previous year to September 2025. Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris commended the enforcement efforts but acknowledged the need to escalate actions further.
In an interview on Times Radio, Mr. Norris expressed satisfaction with the enforcement outcomes, citing a record number of immigration raids resulting in arrests and deportations. Despite concerns about the ratio of arrests to deportations, he lauded the progress made and underscored the government’s commitment to tightening enforcement measures.
The government’s commitment to combat unauthorized employment is evident in the allocation of £5 million to Operation Sterling, leading to a 63% rise in arrests and a 51% increase in visits. Enhanced right-to-work checks are being implemented to prevent individuals from slipping through regulatory loopholes. Employers failing to conduct these checks risk imprisonment, fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, and business closure.
Efforts are underway to expand right-to-work verification requirements beyond conventional employer-employee contracts to cover casual, temporary, and subcontracted workers. A consultation will solicit feedback from businesses on recruitment practices and provide guidance on implementing robust right-to-work protocols. Delivery service providers like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats have intensified identity verification and right-to-work screenings to combat illegal labor practices on their platforms.