UK to crack down on illegal workers, targets employers with unlimited fines

The government of the United Kingdom, UK has unveiled plans to intensify enforcement against illegal working, introducing stricter compliance measures targeting both employers and unauthorised workers.

The move was disclosed in a statement by the UK Home Office on its official X page, as authorities face growing pressure to tighten immigration controls and address concerns over illegal employment across key sectors.

The Home Office said the UK will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to illegal working, backed by tougher enforcement measures.

“Illegal working will not be tolerated in the UK. We are introducing right-to-work checks, removing illegal workers from the UK, and ensuring companies that break the rules face unlimited fines,” the statement read.

Officials added that enhanced compliance activity will include on-site inspections and verification checks at business premises. The new measures are expected to place greater responsibility on employers to verify the legal status of their workers before hiring, with businesses found employing individuals without the right to work facing unlimited fines.

Authorities also plan to increase workplace raids and enforcement operations aimed at identifying and removing unauthorised workers.

According to the UK Home Office, enforcement activity reached record levels in 2025, with 12,791 illegal working visits conducted and 8,971 arrests recorded, the highest in a single year.

Recall that 828 workplace inspections and 609 arrests were carried out in January alone, while over 1,000 civil penalty notices were issued to employers. Businesses found hiring illegal workers risk fines of up to £60,000 per worker.

Inspections across sectors such as restaurants, car washes, and convenience stores rose by 48% year-on-year, while arrests increased by 73%, highlighting a significant escalation in enforcement efforts.

Between July 2024 and December 2025, authorities conducted more than 17,483 inspections nationwide and made over 12,322 arrests, representing increases of 77% and 83% respectively compared to the previous period. These operations also led to the removal of more than 1,700 individuals.

The UK is home to an estimated 10 to 11 million foreign-born residents, accounting for about 17% of the population. Nigerians remain one of the largest migrant groups in the country across multiple visa routes, even as authorities tighten enforcement.