Dozens of Delivery Drivers to Be Deported Amid Crackdown to Deter Illegal Migrants
The Home Office has reported 171 arrests for illegal working nationwide last month as part of a crackdown targeting the gig economy. Following this operation, 60 delivery riders are set to be deported. Arrests included Chinese nationals working in a restaurant in Solihull, Bangladeshi and Indian delivery riders in east London, and Indian delivery riders in Norwich.
In the year leading up to September, there have been 8,232 illegal-working arrests, marking a 63% increase compared to the previous 12 months. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced reforms to the asylum system aimed at deterring illegal migration and facilitating removals.
Border Security Minister Alex Norris stated that the government is focused on removing illegal-working criminality in the delivery sector by increasing identity checks with companies like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats. In July, the Home Office agreed to share asylum hotel locations with food delivery firms to address hotspots of illegal working.
Additionally, the newly enacted Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act closes a loophole that allowed casual, temporary, and subcontracted workers to prove their status. Under this Act, employers who fail to comply could face up to five years in prison, fines of £60,000 per illegal worker, and potential business closure.
