The United Kingdom has announced a major crackdown on illegal working, introducing tougher enforcement measures aimed at both employers and unauthorised workers across the country.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the UK Home Office said the new policy will adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach, with stricter compliance checks and harsher penalties for violations.
“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 said.
Under the new measures, employers will be required to carry out stricter verification of workers’ legal status before employment. Businesses found to be hiring individuals without the legal right to work could face unlimited fines, alongside possible enforcement actions.
The Home Office also confirmed plans to increase workplace inspections and raids, particularly in sectors such as restaurants, car washes, and convenience stores, which have recorded higher levels of enforcement activity in recent years.
According to official figures, 2025 saw record enforcement levels, with 12,791 illegal working visits conducted and 8,971 arrests made — the highest on record in a single year.
In January alone, authorities carried out 828 inspections and made 609 arrests, while over 1,000 civil penalty notices were issued to employers.
Between July 2024 and December 2025, enforcement operations led to more than 17,000 inspections and over 12,000 arrests, alongside the removal of more than 1,700 individuals from the country.
The Home Office said inspections increased by 48 per cent year-on-year, while arrests rose by 73 per cent, reflecting what it described as a significant escalation in immigration enforcement.
Under the new regime, businesses that fail to comply with right-to-work regulations risk fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, with authorities warning that penalties could increase depending on the severity of violations.
The UK government says the tightening of enforcement is part of broader efforts to control immigration and ensure compliance across the labour market.
The country currently hosts an estimated 10 to 11 million foreign-born residents, representing about 17 per cent of the population. Nigerians remain one of the largest migrant groups in the UK across various visa categories.
