Bangladeshi restaurants are becoming one of the targets of Home Office's ongoing raids.  In these raids, one after another, illegal immigrants, students coming on student visas who are not allowed to work full-time are being arrested. On the other hand, traders are tempted to get cheap workers at half or less wages in the hope of higher profits and end up having to close the business with fines.

There, these undocumented workers were being paid much less than the minimum wage.  One claimed they were only paid £50 after share room and board for a whole week.

Nearly 4,000 migrants working illegally in nail salons, car washes, and restaurants have been arrested in a nationwide crackdown aimed at strengthening border security in the UK.

The Home Office and National Crime Agency carried out raids on businesses and residences across London and the South East.

Footage captures at least four individuals being detained at a car wash in Herne Hill, while several others were apprehended during immigration operations at a block of flats in Enfield. Additional arrests took place at a beauty salon in Tonbridge, Kent.

At a grocery warehouse in South London last month, authorities detained six migrants along with four other individuals.

A large number of warrants were executed at restaurants, takeaways, cafés, and businesses in the food, drink, and tobacco industries.

In Cheshire, an operation targeting vape shops resulted in ten immigration-related arrests, along with two more for possession of counterfeit documents.

Eleven individuals were also detained at an Indian restaurant in Humberside

A government spokesperson stated that since taking office in July, authorities have made 3,930 arrests across 5,424 enforcement visits—marking a 38% increase compared to the previous 12-month period.

Officials suspect that migrants are misled with false promises about living and working in the UK, leading them to risk their lives crossing the English Channel in small boats, often facilitated by criminal networks.

Once in the UK, illegal workers frequently face poor living conditions and grueling work hours for exploitative employers. Over 1,000 migrants have already made the journey this year.

Amanj Hasan Zada, a 34-year-old Iranian national who referred to himself as “the best smuggler,” was sentenced to 17 years in prison in November for organizing small boat crossings from his home in Lancashire.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the government's commitment to intensifying enforcement, stating:

“The immigration rules must be upheld. For too long, employers have exploited illegal workers, and enforcement actions have been lacking.

“This not only encourages dangerous Channel crossings but also leads to the mistreatment of vulnerable individuals and undermines both the immigration system and the economy.”

In January alone, immigration enforcement officers carried out 828 visits and made 609 arrests—the highest recorded for the month since data collection began in 2019.

To deter illegal migration, a social media campaign was launched in Vietnam in December and Albania last month. The campaign shares real stories of migrants who entered the UK illegally, only to encounter debt, exploitation, and a reality far from what they had been promised.

Meanwhile, the Labour government’s Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill is set for a second reading in the House of Commons.

The bill proposes new offenses and counter-terrorism-style powers to combat people smuggling across the Channel. If approved, the measures are expected to take effect later this year.

Under the new legislation, those involved in selling or handling boat parts suspected of being used in Channel crossings could face up to 14 years in prison. Additionally, anyone at sea who endangers another person's life during a crossing could face a five-year sentence.

Authorities would also be granted expanded powers, including the ability to search and seize electronic devices before making an arrest if they suspect links to organized immigration crime.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to treat human smugglers as “terrorists” in an effort to curb illegal crossings. However, the government has refrained from setting a specific target for reducing the number of arrivals via smuggling routes.

Human rights organization Liberty has criticized the bill, arguing that introducing counter-terrorism-style powers for non-terror-related offenses sets a “dangerous precedent” and lacks sufficient safeguards against wrongful prosecution.

At the same time, the International Rescue Committee UK has welcomed the government's commitment to asylum reform but has called for the establishment of safe legal pathways for those fleeing war and persecution.

Eddy Montgomery, the Home Office’s director of enforcement, compliance, and crime, stated:

“These figures highlight our unwavering commitment to enforcing immigration laws. There is no place to hide—we will continue ramping up efforts to ensure violators face consequences.

“We also recognize that many individuals working illegally endure severe exploitation, and we will do everything possible to protect them.”

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has proposed an amendment to the bill that would double the waiting period for migrants to gain indefinite leave to remain. Under their plan, migrants would also have to wait five years instead of one before applying for citizenship.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the bill, calling it “weak” and ineffective in stopping illegal crossings.

“The National Crime Agency has made it clear that a strong removals policy is essential—but Labour scrapped it. Worse still, this bill reinstates an illegal migrant’s ability to apply for indefinite leave to remain.”

A Labour spokesperson countered, dismissing the Conservatives' approach as “reheated and disorganized.”

“They have no credibility. Under their watch, small boat crossings surged, and net migration reached record highs.

“This Labour government is taking serious action to dismantle people-smuggling operations with counter-terror-style powers, ensuring law enforcement has the tools to go after these criminals. With removals at a six-year high, we are fixing the mess the Tories left behind.”