In a renewed effort to tighten border control, the UK government has ramped up enforcement against illegal working — but new figures reveal that only a fraction of those arrested have actually been deported.
Despite thousands of arrests made over the past year, just one in eight migrants detained for working illegally has been removed from the country.
Low Deportation Rates Raise Questions
According to new Home Office data, only 1,050 out of 8,000 migrants arrested during Immigration Enforcement raids in the past year have been deported. This translates to fewer than 15 percent of those caught.
The Labour government has described it as the largest crackdown on illegal working since records began, but critics say the deportation rate tells a different story.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the government’s stance, declaring that illegal working “creates an incentive” for people attempting to enter the UK unlawfully. “No more,” she said firmly.
“Those found working illegally in beauty salons, car washes, or as delivery drivers will be arrested, detained, and removed. I will do whatever it takes to secure Britain’s borders.”
Enforcement Efforts Intensify After High-Profile Mistake
The new figures come just days after a major embarrassment for the Home Office — the accidental release of sex offender Hadush Kebatu from Chelmsford Prison.
He had been due for deportation to Ethiopia but was mistakenly freed into the community.
At the same time, more than 36,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year, adding pressure on the government to demonstrate control over immigration.
Despite this, the Home Office highlighted that arrests linked to illegal working have risen by 63 percent compared to last year, thanks to a £5 million investment aimed at targeting unlawful employment in car washes, takeaways, and salons.
Closing Loopholes in the Labour Market
Part of the government’s plan involves tightening ‘right to work’ checks.
Previously, only companies using traditional employee contracts were required to verify a worker’s immigration status.
This left large parts of the gig and casual economy unchecked.
The new laws aim to close these loopholes, making it illegal for anyone — including gig workers, subcontractors, and temporary staff — to work without legal status.
Employers who fail to comply could face up to five years in jail, heavy fines, or even forced business closures.
Collaboration with Major Gig Platforms
To strengthen these checks, the Home Office has begun working with popular delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats.
The goal is to prevent asylum seekers and undocumented migrants from taking delivery jobs while their asylum claims are being processed.
Reports have surfaced of small boat migrants living in asylum hotels who take up gig economy work illegally.
The government hopes that stricter verification measures will reduce these cases and help restore control over who can legally earn an income in the UK.
Digital ID Plans Stir Political Division
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to introduce digital ID cards as part of the government’s long-term immigration strategy.
These cards are expected to become a requirement for “right to work” checks by 2029, at the end of the current Parliament.
However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism. Opponents — including MPs from the Reform Party, Conservatives, and Liberal Democrats — argue that the plan is a “cynical ploy” designed to convince voters the government is taking firm action on immigration.
They’ve compared it to former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s failed attempt to introduce similar ID cards two decades ago.
What’s Next?
The debate over illegal working and immigration enforcement is far from over.
While the government insists it’s taking decisive action, critics point to the low deportation rate and repeated administrative failures as signs of deeper systemic issues.