UK's crackdown on illegal immigrant workers reaches Indian restaurants, other businesses

The UK's crackdown on illegal immigrant workers has intensified, with the Home Office targeting Indian restaurants, nail bars, convenience stores, and car washes employing undocumented individuals. This nationwide initiative, described by the Home Office as a "blitz" on illegal working, led to 828 premises being raided in January, a 48% increase compared to the previous year. A total of 609 people were arrested, marking a 73% rise from the prior year, reported PTI.

The raids heavily focused on the food and drink sector, including Indian restaurants and takeaways, with seven individuals detained at a restaurant in Humberside, northern England. Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that the government's actions were part of a broader push to tackle illegal working across all industries.

"The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants, and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken," Cooper said. "Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system, and our economy."

In response to rising concerns, the Labour Party government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, plans to introduce the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill for a second reading this week. The bill is aimed at dismantling criminal gangs accused of undermining border security and will grant law enforcement more powers to seize mobile phones from individuals entering the UK illegally, reported Hindustan Times.