Illegal working arrests and enforcement raids have reached unprecedented levels in the UK, with the Home Office ramping up efforts to tackle businesses and individuals flouting
immigration laws.
New government figures show that raids on businesses suspected of employing illegal workers have surged by 77% since the current administration came into power, while arrests have jumped 83% between July 2024 and December 2025.
More than 17,400 inspections were carried out at establishments including nail bars, car washes, barbers, restaurants, and takeaway shops, aimed at exposing those attempting to undercut law-abiding workers and hide in plain sight. These operations led to over 12,300 arrests across the UK.
The spike in enforcement activity was supported by a £5 million funding increase last year, allowing Immigration Enforcement teams to pursue illegal working with unprecedented intensity.
Wales sees record enforcement
Wales alone recorded 1,320 raids in 2025, resulting in 649 arrests—a 103% and 85% increase compared to 2024 figures, respectively. Officials say the crackdown is part of the government’s wider plan to restore order to the immigration system and reduce the incentive for illegal migration, including the exploitation of vulnerable workers by smuggling gangs.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “There is no place for illegal working in our communities.
That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide.
I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders”.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
“Illegal working fuels the black economy and hurts law-abiding Welsh businesses.
This government was clear that we will crack down on people and firms who are flouting the rules and we have delivered this with a record year of enforcement activity across Wales’.
Technology and legislation bolster enforcement
The government has equipped Immigration Enforcement officers with body-worn cameras since September 2025, a move expected to strengthen evidence collection and prosecutions.
Officers have carried out raids across various sectors, including:
- Caldicot (5 August 2025): Eight Chinese nationals arrested at packaging and distribution warehouses, with four detained for removal.
-Porthmadog (12 September 2025): Three illegal workers arrested at Star Barbers; two placed on immigration bail, one left voluntarily.
-Swansea (14 October 2025): Seven Chinese nationals arrested at a construction site; four detained for removal.
The government is expanding right-to-work checks under the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Act, covering gig, casual, subcontracted, and temporary workers, leaving fewer opportunities for illegal employment.
Cracking down on smuggling networks
The Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce, which includes the National Crime Agency, the National Police Chiefs Council, and Border Security Command, has increased efforts against criminal smuggling gangs. Since July 2024, disruptions linked to migrant smuggling have risen 33%, with nearly 4,000 incidents recorded. A recent agreement with France now enables authorities to return migrants who attempt small boat crossings.
Digital ID to limit illegal work
To further curb illegal employment, the government plans to introduce mandatory digital ID to prove the right to work by the end of the current Parliament. This system will simplify eligibility checks for employers and make it harder for rogue business owners to employ unauthorized workers.
Officials stress that the combined measures—raids, technological upgrades, tougher legislation, and international cooperation—reflect the government’s focus on securing Britain’s borders and dismantling the black market for illegal labour. Photo by ukhomeoffice, Wikimedia commons.
