A nationwide immigration enforcement operation is being rolled out across the United Kingdom, targeting migrants suspected of working illegally within the gig economy, with a particular focus on delivery riders. This crackdown on illegal delivery riders is the latest measure under the Government’s Plan for Change, an intensified initiative aimed at reasserting control over the immigration system through tougher enforcement and legislative reform.
Strategic Enforcement Across the Gig Economy
Immigration Enforcement teams are set to undertake a wave of coordinated visits across known illegal working hotspots. This intelligence-led campaign will concentrate on individuals breaching visa conditions or working without lawful status, many of whom are housed in government-funded accommodation or in receipt of financial support designed for destitute asylum seekers.
The law stipulates that those in asylum accommodation must not engage in employment unless specifically granted permission. Under the upcoming enforcement drive, any individuals discovered to be breaching these terms risk having their support withdrawn, including loss of accommodation or subsistence payments.
Severe Penalties for Non-Compliant Employers
The enforcement operation will also extend to businesses found to be employing individuals without the legal right to work. Civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker may be issued, alongside the potential for director disqualifications and custodial sentences of up to five years.
This intensification follows a sharp rise in enforcement activity over the past year. From July 2023 to June 2024, over 10,000 illegal working visits were carried out, a record number. These led to 7,130 arrests, representing a year-on-year increase of over 50%. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 748 civil penalty notices were served, the highest number recorded since 2016.
Legislative Reform to Combat Gig Economy Abuse
UK Government has confirmed it will introduce new legal requirements compelling all employers including gig platforms to verify the immigration status of those working through their services. These provisions are set to be legislated through the upcoming Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. They are intended to prevent the misuse of flexible work arrangements that currently provide a loophole for illegal employment.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper remarked:
“Illegal working undermines honest businesses and drives down wages. Those coming to the UK illegally are often misled by people smuggling gangs with false promises, only to face exploitative and unsafe conditions. This crackdown is about removing that incentive and restoring integrity to the system.”
Recent Arrests and Joint Operations
Recent weeks have already seen a series of targeted enforcement actions. In a joint operation with the Metropolitan Police, 20 Indian nationals were arrested for immigration offences while working illegally as builders and delivery riders using unregistered scooters.
On 18 June, enforcement teams in the West Midlands targeted a known meeting point for undocumented construction workers in Smethwick, resulting in 26 arrests. Earlier, on 12 June in Wisbech, officers arrested three individuals during checks on cash-in-hand builders operating with illegally modified e-bikes.
Industry Collaboration on Identity Fraud
Home Office is also working closely with major gig economy firms such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat. The aim is to tackle account sharing, a practice commonly exploited by those without lawful status. Companies have committed to expanding the use of facial recognition checks to confirm the identity of riders using their platforms.
Protection for Victims of Exploitation
While targeting immigration abuse, Home Office reaffirmed its commitment to protecting potential victims of modern slavery and labour exploitation. Individuals identified as at risk may be referred to the National Referral Mechanism for appropriate support. Close collaboration continues with agencies such as the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority to tackle exploitation and trafficking across multiple sectors.
A Broader International Response
This enforcement surge is just one strand of a broader government strategy to combat illegal migration. Over the past year, the UK has returned nearly 30,000 individuals with no right to remain. It has also entered into international agreements with countries including Iraq and Italy. These agreements aim to dismantle smuggling networks and target financial crime linked to illegal migration.
UK Government maintains that the cycle of illegal working and exploitation cannot be disrupted by domestic action alone. The crackdown on illegal delivery riders is part of this wider approach. Only combined domestic enforcement and international cooperation can bring meaningful change.
With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
