The government of the United Kingdom has announced plans to intensify enforcement against illegal working, introducing stricter compliance measures targeting both employers and unauthorised workers.
This was disclosed in a statement by the UK Home Office on its official X page.
The move comes 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 stricter enforcement measures.
Officials added that enhanced compliance activity will include on-site inspections and verification checks at business premises.
According to the UK Home Office, authorities carried out 12,791 illegal working visits in 2025 alone, leading to 8,971 arrests, the highest level of enforcement recorded in a single year.
Nairametrics reported 828 workplace inspections and 609 arrests in January alone. Authorities also issued over 1,000 civil penalty notices to employers, with businesses found hiring illegal workers facing fines of up to £60,000 per worker.
These operations also resulted in the removal of over 1,700 individuals.
The UK is home to an estimated 10 to 11 million foreign-born residents, accounting for about 17% of the population.
While the majority of migrants reside legally under work, study, or family visas, authorities say a smaller number remain in the country without proper authorisation.
