UK toughens stance on illegal migration with new deportation drive

Measures include to control asylum seekers, penalties for employing illegal worker and to combat smuggling networks

LONDON:

The British government unveiled new measures on Wednesday aimed at reducing the influx of asylum seekers arriving by small boats. The plans include increasing the number of deportation flights and intensifying efforts against employers who hire illegal workers.

Recent polls indicate that immigration control has become the top concern for British voters for the first time in eight years. This shift follows far-right riots targeting Muslims and migrants, which were sparked by the murder of three girls in Southport, northwest England. During these riots, attempts were made to set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

The Home Office, tasked with addressing illegal immigration, announced the recruitment of 100 investigation officers to combat the gangs responsible for bringing asylum seekers to the UK. The government aims to restore deportation levels to those last seen in 2018, reversing the decline in recent years.

Employers who hire illegal workers will face stricter penalties, including fines, business closure orders, and potential prosecution. The Home Office also stated that individuals found working illegally and eligible for deportation will be detained prior to their removal.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised that by enhancing enforcement and increasing deportations, the government aims to replace the current chaotic system with one that is better controlled and managed.

Since the Labour government took office on July 5, over 5,700 asylum seekers have arrived in Britain via the Channel from France, highlighting the significant challenge faced by ministers committed to dismantling people-smuggling networks.

In its first major policy announcement since winning a landslide election victory, the Labour government revealed it would abandon the previous Conservative government's controversial plan to send thousands of asylum seekers from Britain to Rwanda.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed last month that Britain must focus on enforcement and collaborate with other countries to address the root causes of migration, including climate change and poverty.