Hundreds of individuals have been removed from the UK following targeted operations by the Home Office at eateries, delivery services, beauty parlors, and car wash facilities. According to the Home Office, there has been a significant 63% increase in illegal working apprehensions, resulting in the expulsion of over 1,050 migrants in the most extensive crackdown on record. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that this enforcement action aims to deter individuals from attempting unlawful entry into the UK.
Ms. Mahmood stated, “Engaging in illegal employment serves as an enticement for those seeking to enter the country unlawfully. This practice will no longer be tolerated. Individuals discovered working illegally in beauty salons, car washes, and delivery services will be apprehended, held in custody, and deported from the country. I am committed to safeguarding Britain’s borders.” New regulations stipulate that employers hiring illegal workers could face up to five years of imprisonment.
Recent government data reveals that over 8,000 migrants were arrested during 11,000 Immigration Enforcement operations conducted between October of the previous year and September 2025. Alex Norris, the Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, commended the statistics but acknowledged the need for further action.
In a discussion on Times Radio regarding the operations, Mr. Norris expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, highlighting the unprecedented number of immigration enforcement actions resulting in arrests and deportations. Despite questions about the success rate, with 8,000 arrests and 1,000 deportations, Mr. Norris affirmed that it was a commendable achievement.
He reiterated, “Our aim is to expand our efforts further by utilizing the full extent of the law. While we have conducted the highest number of enforcement actions on record, we must push even harder.” Mr. Norris emphasized ongoing legislative initiatives to prevent individuals from exploiting the illicit economy by coming to the UK.
Additionally, the government has allocated £5 million to Operation Sterling, a campaign targeting unauthorized employment. Arrests have surged by 63% within a year, coupled with a 51% increase in inspections. Measures are being taken to enhance right-to-work checks to prevent individuals from slipping through legal loopholes. Non-compliance by employers could result in imprisonment, fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, and business closure.
Currently, right-to-work verifications are mandatory only for companies with standard employer-employee contracts. However, the government aims to eliminate a loophole that exempts casual, temporary, or subcontracted workers from proving their eligibility. A consultation process will solicit feedback from businesses on existing recruitment practices and provide guidelines for implementing robust right-to-work assessments.
Moreover, popular delivery services such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats have intensified identity verification and right-to-work screenings on their platforms to address concerns regarding illegal employment practices.