London
The UK government has launched a massive drive against illegal immigration, with Indian restaurants among the key targets. As part of a nationwide operation, immigration enforcement teams raided hundreds of businesses, including restaurants, nail salons, convenience stores, and car washes, looking for illegal workers.
Indian Restaurants Caught in the Operation
The UK Home Office confirmed that in January alone, 828 businesses were inspected, marking a 48% rise from last year. The operation led to 609 arrests, a 73% increase from the previous year. A significant number of these arrests took place in the food and restaurant industry, including an Indian restaurant in Humberside, where seven people were arrested and four detained.
Why is the UK Taking This Step?
The UK has been struggling with a rise in illegal immigration, with over 23,000 migrants crossing the English Channel between July and December last year. The government claims that many illegal workers are exploited by employers and that taking action against businesses hiring them will discourage further migration.
To enforce this, the UK government has:
- Released videos of deportations to warn potential migrants.
- Increased employer fines—businesses hiring illegal workers now face penalties of up to £60,000 per worker.
- Issued 1,090 civil penalties in recent months.
Government Justifies Strict Action
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the raids, saying:
“For too long, some employers have taken advantage of illegal workers. We are restoring order to the system and ensuring immigration rules are followed.”
Eddy Montgomery, Director of Immigration Enforcement, added:
“We are stepping up our efforts. Anyone hiring illegal workers should know—there is no hiding place from the law.”
New Immigration Rules and Political Reactions
The operation comes as the UK Parliament debates the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which aims to increase penalties for human smuggling and tighten immigration controls.
However, critics argue the bill is not tough enough. The opposition Conservative Party has demanded even stricter measures, saying the current plan won’t stop illegal crossings.
What’s Next?
The UK government has also launched online campaigns in Vietnam and Albania, warning migrants about the risks of illegal entry—including exploitation, unpaid wages, and deportation.
With immigration remaining a hot political issue, businesses—especially Indian restaurants—fear more raids and penalties as the UK government pushes ahead with its strict immigration policies.
