Illegal working enforcement in the UK has reached its highest recorded level, with a sharp increase in workplace raids and arrests since July 2024, according to figures released by the UK Home Office.
The Home Office said Immigration Enforcement teams carried out more than 17,400 illegal working raids between July 2024 and the end of December 2025. This represents a 77% increase compared with the previous period.
Arrests rose by 83% over the same timeframe, with more than 12,300 people detained. The Home Office said the increase followed a £5 million funding boost for Immigration Enforcement last year.
Raids target multiple business sectors
According to the Home Office, enforcement visits focused on sectors where illegal working has been identified, including nail bars, car washes, barbers, takeaway shops, restaurants and construction sites. Officials said the activity is intended to identify people working without permission in the UK and employers who fail to carry out legal right-to-work checks.
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.”
The Home Office said the crackdown is part of ongoing government action on immigration. It said 50,000 people have been removed or deported from the UK, a 23% increase under the current government.
Significant rise in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, enforcement activity also increased sharply. The Home Office said 187 raids were carried out in 2025, leading to 234 arrests. This compares with a 76% increase in raids and a 169% increase in arrests compared with 2024.
Northern Ireland Secretary, Hilary Benn, said “Illegal working undercuts honest businesses across Northern Ireland and fuels the criminal gangs who profit from human exploitation. This Government has increased enforcement to record levels, and the message is clear: there is no place for those flouting the law.”
Paul McHarron, Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Lead for Northern Ireland, said “Illegal working is against the law and will not be tolerated. My teams will continue working around the clock to ensure those involved face the full force of the law.”
Recent enforcement cases highlighted
The Home Office provided examples of recent enforcement visits in Northern Ireland. On May 1st, officers attended VN Nail & Spa Salon in Belfast city centre, where three Vietnamese nationals were arrested for illegal working. One person was detained for removal from the UK.
On June 28th, officers visited Europa Car Wash in Bangor. Four people of Romanian, Ethiopian and Jordanian nationality were arrested, with two detained for removal.
On October 25th, officers carried out a visit to Beijing House in Londonderry, arresting three Chinese nationals for illegal working. A Civil Penalty Referral Notice was issued to the business owner, and further inquiries are ongoing.
New enforcement tools and legislation
The Home Office said all Immigration Enforcement teams are now equipped with body-worn video cameras, following a rollout that began in September last year. Officials said the technology will support evidence gathering and prosecutions.
Under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, the government is also expanding right-to-work checks to include gig, casual, subcontracted and temporary workers. Plans are in place to introduce mandatory digital identification to prove the right to work by the end of the current Parliament.