Arrests of migrants working illegally in the UK have increased by 51% in the year since the general election, after the government targeted restaurants, nail bars, and construction sites.
From 5 July 2024 – the day after Labour won the election – to 31 May 2025, 6,410 people have been arrested on suspicion of working illegally, according to Home Office figures.
This is a rise of 51% on the previous year when the Conservatives were in government, the department says.
As part of Labour’s Plan for Change, enforcement officials have made 9,000 visits to restaurants, nail bars, and construction sites, among other premises, to root out those suspected of working without a visa – a 48% increase in activity during the previous year.
Video footage shows the moment 36 people were arrested at a construction site in Belfast‘s Titanic Quarter where enforcement officials uncovered people breaching their visa conditions and working in the UK having entered the country illegally.
Enforcement officials arrest illegal workers in a nail bar in Belfast. Pic: Home Office
In Surrey last month, nine people were arrested at a caravan park after intelligence revealed it was being used for illegal delivery drivers.
In Bradford in March, a further nine people were arrested after officers identified a popular pick-up spot for illegal workers.
A raid on a caravan in Surrey with suspected links to illegal workers. Pic: Home Office
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People traffickers often trick migrants into deadly small boat crossings by promising they will be able to find work in the UK, when in reality, those arrive safely are instead forced into squalid conditions, for no or little money.
Employers are supposed to carry out right-to-work checks on all new employees who come from abroad – with those who fail to do so facing £60,000 fines per worker, director disqualifications, and prison sentences of up to five years.
A suspect is guided into a van after arrests are made in Surrey. Pic: Home Office
Immigration enforcement workers in Surrey. Pic: Home Office
30,000 returned to home countries
Alongside the arrests, since Labour came to power, almost 30,000 people who had no right to be in the UK have been returned to their home countries, according to Home Office data.
The government says it is also introducing tougher laws, extending right-to-work checks, and targeting particular sectors known to be linked to illegal workers.
Dame Angela Eagle, minister for border security and asylum, said: “For too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit migrants, with people allowed to arrive and work here illegally.
“This will no longer be tolerated on our watch. That’s why we are ramping up our enforcement activity and introducing tougher laws to finally get a grip of our immigration and asylum system.”
Eddy Montgomery, director of enforcement, compliance and crime for immigration enforcement, added: “Our work to tackle illegal working is vital in not only bringing the guilty to account, but also in protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.
“I’m incredibly proud of our enforcement teams across the country for their hard work, skill and cooperation on these often challenging but highly important operations.”
