In a significant increase by 51% from the previous year, migrants suspected of working illegitimately in the UK have been facing an increased number of arrests, especially after the Labour party took the reins of power. Official statistics from the Home Office reveal a total of 6,410 individuals have been detained under the suspicion of unlawful employment during the period from July 5th, the day subsequent to the general election, up until May 31.
The comparison with the previous year, under Tory administration, highlights a conspicuous rise of 51%. This dramatic surge can be attributed to several enforcement efforts undertaken by the Labour party under their ‘Plan for Change’. Specifically, the plan authorizes extensive enforcement visits aimed at identifying undocumented workers.
The Plan for Change oversaw as many as 9,000 such visits which targeted diverse businesses including, but not limited to, nail salons, building site, and eateries. This initiative marked an impressive 48% increase in the number of these inspections when compared with the year before.
Unfortunately, many of these immigrants are easily lured by traffickers who promise them a better future, only to be subjected to hazardous crossing to the UK via tiny boat vessels. In many instances, these trips could have fatal outcomes. Once in the UK, most of these individuals are forced to work under harsh conditions, with inadequate or, sometimes, no remuneration.
Evidently, it is important for the employers to execute the appropriate checks to establish the immigration status of foreign job-seekers before they are hired. However, such practices are not universally adhered to. Breaching these rules could lead to punitive measures including a fine up to £60,000 for each illegal worker, directors’ disqualification, and a prison term of up to five years.
In spite of these operational challenges, the government successfully managed the deportation of close to 30,000 individuals, determined to have no rightful claim of stay in the UK. Looking forward, government authorities affirmed their commitment towards introducing legislations with more stringent measures, expanding the scope of right-to-work checks, and maintaining a keen focus on industry segments notorious for employing unauthorized immigrants.
The government expressed deep concern about the chronic exploitation faced by many migrants. Illegal migration for work purposes, which has long been a thorn in the flesh, was addressed firmly. The regime declared that such practices will face zero tolerance under their watch.
The urgency to streamline the immigration processes and the asylum system resonated clearly in the increased enforcement activities and tougher legislations being proposed. By introducing these changes, the government aims to take assertive control of the situation.
However, not all aspects of the government’s approach towards this issue have been free from criticism. Particularly, its management of small boat crossings attracted high-profile critique from French President Emmanuel Macron. Among his grievances, the French President is expected to request additional UK funding to intercept migrants attempting to cross the Channel.
Despite earlier promises to provide £480 million towards this cause, UK officials now anticipate a request for additional funds, as indicated by Home Office insiders. This figure was initially agreed upon by the previous Prime Minister back in 2023.
Incidentally, the Express has been informed by sources within the Home Office that France has yet to expend the full amount of funds previously allocated. This fact raises questions regarding the need for additional funding and its potential utilisation.
The new proposals under consideration allow French law enforcement the prerogative to stop and search incoming smaller vessels as far as 300 metres from their shorelines. Such legislation, if passed, could significantly enhance the ability to screen for illegal immigration from the onset.
The precise contours of these new proposals are still under formulation. The shared optimism is that these initiatives will contribute towards significant reduction in incidents of illegal immigration and exploitation of migrants.