UK Crackdown on Illegal Migrants Targets Indian Restaurants

Los Angeles/Feb 10, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

The UK government has announced that hundreds of migrants were arrested in January as part of a large-scale crackdown on illegal working.

Enforcement teams carried out raids at 828 locations, including nail salons, car washes, and restaurants, leading to 609 arrests—a 73% rise compared to the same period last year.

Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle defended the decision to release footage of the arrests, saying it aimed to highlight the consequences of working illegally. She described the government’s approach as both firm and compassionate.

Later today, MPs will discuss the government’s immigration bill, which has been criticized by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp as ineffective in stopping illegal crossings.

Raids took place across various industries, with authorities targeting businesses employing undocumented workers. Some of those detained had entered the UK via unauthorized routes, including Channel crossings, while others had overstayed their visas.

The Labour government, which came to power seven months ago, is under increasing pressure over immigration policy. Some Labour strategists worry about losing voter support to Reform UK, while others within the party advocate for expanding safe and legal migration pathways.

Dame Angela, speaking on BBC Radio 4, insisted that enforcing the law does not contradict the government’s commitment to compassion. She emphasized the importance of countering misinformation spread by human traffickers and reducing reliance on hotels for asylum seekers, with plans to close nine of 218 such accommodations by March.

From July to January, immigration officers made nearly 4,000 arrests during over 5,400 site visits. Employers caught hiring illegal workers could face fines of up to £60,000 per worker.

Meanwhile, the government has launched awareness campaigns in Vietnam and Albania to dissuade migrants from attempting illegal entry into the UK, warning of exploitation and hardship.

The House of Commons will debate the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill today, which proposes tougher penalties for people smugglers. However, Labour has yet to set clear targets for reducing illegal crossings, while Conservative MPs push for stricter immigration rules.

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