For months, food delivery companies like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats have been trying to clamp down on illegal gig work—but they were hitting a wall.
Why? Because the government refused to share the one thing they really needed: the addresses of asylum seeker hotels. That’s just changed.
Home Office Does a U-Turn on Data Sharing
The Home Office has now agreed to provide the location data of asylum accommodation to food delivery platforms, marking a major shift in approach.
Until recently, civil servants were blocking access to this information, citing concerns over the safety of hotel occupants.
Deliveroo, in particular, had asked for the addresses to help them suspend suspicious rider accounts but were turned down.
But pressure has been mounting—and the government has decided to act.
Yvette Cooper Says It’s About Cracking Down on Crime
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper weighed in, saying illegal work not only puts vulnerable people at risk of exploitation, but also supports organised immigration crime.
By sharing data with delivery firms, she said, the government is plugging a loophole that’s been wide open for too long.
She added that this move is just one part of a broader crackdown—alongside a 50% increase in enforcement raids, more security checks, and fresh legislation under the Plan for Change.
Migrants Reportedly Working Within Hours of Arrival
Concerns first erupted last month when reports surfaced that some migrants—many arriving by small boat—were working as delivery riders almost immediately after being placed in asylum hotels.
These jobs are off-limits while asylum claims are being processed, but that hasn’t stopped people from signing up.
Shadow Immigration Minister Chris Philp even filmed outside one hotel in central London where bikes fitted with Deliveroo and Just Eat boxes were lined up, seemingly confirming the claims.
Facial Recognition Tech to the Rescue?
In response to the controversy, the Home Office summoned all three delivery companies to a meeting.
The outcome? All of them agreed to ramp up identity verification, potentially using facial recognition tech—similar to how banking apps confirm someone’s identity.
However, there was still a major problem.
Even after this pledge, Deliveroo was initially denied access to hotel addresses, despite promising to treat the information confidentially.
The Times reported the denial sparked frustration and confusion.
Backlash from Politicians and Push for Stronger Action
Conservative MP Katie Lam called the situation “topsy-turvy,” accusing the Home Office of effectively helping people break the law. “Crossing the Channel illegally is a crime.
Working illegally is a crime,” she said. “Yet too many are getting away with both.”
Now, with the policy reversal, the government hopes to restore confidence in the system.
More Enforcement and AI Trials in the Pipeline
The man overseeing the crackdown, Eddy Montgomery—Director of Enforcement at the Home Office—welcomed the new cooperation.
He said his teams are already ramping up checks across the country, and that sharing data with delivery apps is an important “tool” to fight abuse of the immigration system.
But that’s not all. The government has also announced a new trial using AI-powered facial recognition to assess the age of migrants who claim to be children.
This has long been a tricky part of the process—and ministers hope AI can provide faster, more accurate answers.
Thousands Still in Hotels as Channel Crossings Surge
So far this year, over 23,000 migrants have crossed the Channel—more than 50% higher than the same time last year.
According to the Home Office, around 32,000 asylum seekers are currently being housed in hotels, and another 66,000 are in rented houses or flats.
These accommodations haven’t been without controversy.
Some have sparked protests—several of which turned violent—as tensions over the asylum system continue to rise.