British authorities have apprehended nearly 20% of individuals checked during a week-long operation targeting illegal migrant delivery workers last month, according to the Home Office. In this crackdown, which took place from July 20 to July 27, immigration officers stopped and questioned 1,780 people, resulting in 280 arrests. Among those detained, the government is reassessing the asylum support for 53 individuals.
This operation is part of the government’s broader initiative to combat illegal migration, which includes implementing new requirements for employers to verify the immigration status of their workers. As pressure mounts on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to demonstrate effective action against illegal immigration amidst growing support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, border security minister Angela Eagle emphasized the government’s commitment to enforce existing rules.
In addition to the arrests, civil penalties were issued to 51 businesses, including various car washes and restaurants, which face potential fines for employing illegal workers. Additionally, police confiscated 71 vehicles, including 58 e-bikes, and seized £8,000 ($10,751) in cash, along with 460,000 pounds worth of illicit cigarettes. The government announced a £5 million funding increase for immigration enforcement teams as part of ongoing efforts to address illegal working.
Furthermore, a new agreement struck last month requires food delivery companies — including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat — to share information with the government to help prevent illegal employment within their networks. Over the past year, the UK has deported 35,052 individuals without the right to remain, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year.
In a related development, France has agreed to accept some undocumented migrants arriving in the UK via small boats in exchange for the UK accepting an equal number of genuine asylum seekers with family ties in France. This bilateral agreement reflects a growing cooperation between the two nations to tackle the challenges of migration across the English Channel.
These initiatives signal a focused effort by the UK government to tighten immigration controls while collaborating with other countries to manage the complexities of migration effectively. As enforcement measures increase, there is hope for a more organized immigration system that balances national security with compassionate responses to those in need of refuge.
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