British News Agency

According to the BBC, the British government has arrested hundreds of migrants since the beginning of the year as a result of raids against illegal work across the country.

Officials reported that raids were conducted on 828 businesses, including beauty salons, car washes, and restaurants, leading to the arrest of 609 people. This figure represents a 73% increase compared to January 2024 and is the highest number recorded for January to date.

Authorities noted that many migrants believe false promises about life and employment in the UK, which leads them to risk their lives by crossing the English Channel.

This development coincides with the debate on the immigration law scheduled to take place in Parliament on Monday. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the government has increased the enforcement of immigration laws to a "record level" and emphasized the need to comply with the rules: "For too long, employers have been able to hire and exploit illegal migrants without consequences, and many people have worked illegally without facing penalties."

Since July, when the Labour Party government took office, until January 31, immigration authorities have conducted 5,424 operations, leading to the arrest of 3,930 people.

Additionally, 1,090 administrative fines have been issued, and employers hiring illegal workers faced fines of up to £60,000 per worker.

During the same period, the UK Home Office announced that it had carried out "the four largest deportation flights in British history," deporting over 800 people.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that too many people are able to enter the UK and work illegally, declaring: "We are putting an end to this."