More than 600 arrested for working illegally in UK

A total of 609 arrests were made in January by Immigration Enforcement teams during raids on 828 premises -- marking a 48% rise compared to previous January -- including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants, and car washes, the Home Office said in a statement.

This came as the government’s landmark Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill returns to parliament for its second reading on Monday.

It noted that a renewed crackdown on those "attempting to undermine the UK’s borders" last month saw the highest January in over half a decade for enforcement activity.

"More broadly, between 5 July last year and 31 January, both illegal working visits and arrests have soared by around 38% compared to the same 12 months prior."

During the same period, since the current Labour Party came in power, the Home Office issued a total of 1,090 civil penalty notices, while employers could face a fine of up to £60,000 (over $74,000) per worker if found liable.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the immigration rules must be respected and enforced.

"For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken," she noted.

Cooper added: "That’s why, as part of our Plan for Change, we are boosting enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation to smash the criminal gangs that undermine our border security and who have been getting away with it for far too long."

The number of migrants arriving in the UK via the English Channel increased by 25% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the Home Office.

A total of 36,816 people made the perilous journey by small boats in 2024, up from 29,437 in 2023.