The United Kingdom's Labour-led government has reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on irregular migration
The United Kingdom’s Labour-led government has reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on irregular migration, emphasizing the need to enforce immigration rules.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, speaking in an interview on GBN and via the Home Office website, revealed that 19,000 irregular migrants—carried over from the previous Conservative government—have been deported since Labour took office.
“To restore public confidence in the immigration system, we must demonstrate that the rules are upheld and enforced. That’s why we have allocated significant resources to immigration enforcement and deportations, ensuring that those with no legal right to remain—especially those with criminal records—are removed as swiftly as possible,” Cooper stated.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer reinforced this stance in a post on X, declaring, “Too many people can come to the UK and work. We are putting an end to it.”
The Home Secretary outlined plans for tougher measures, including introducing counter-terror-style powers to dismantle people-smuggling networks. These new policies, part of a broader effort to secure UK borders, recently passed a second reading in the House of Commons.
The government confirmed that nearly 19,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals, and other immigration offenders have been deported to countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. The Home Office noted that these figures mark the highest deportation rates since 2018, with the UK carrying out its four largest chartered deportation flights, transporting over 850 individuals.
By reallocating 1,000 staff to immigration enforcement, the government has signalled its commitment to swift deportations. Between July 5, 2024, and January 31, 2025, enforced returns increased by 24%, removals of foreign national offenders rose by 21%, and workplace raids targeting illegal workers surged by 38% compared to the same period the previous year.
The Home Office also released images for the first time showing raids on businesses such as nail salons, car washes, and restaurants, which resulted in thousands of arrests. In January alone, immigration enforcement teams inspected 828 locations—a 48% increase from the previous year—leading to 609 arrests, a 73% spike. Employers found guilty of hiring illegal workers now face fines of up to £60,000 per worker.
“In many cases, those who come to the UK illegally are lured by false promises, risking their lives by crossing the Channel in small boats,” the Home Office stated.
Looking ahead, the government plans to introduce stricter legislation under the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, granting law enforcement new powers, such as seizing mobile phones from irregular migrants before their arrest.
Additionally, the UK will host a landmark Border Security Summit at Lancaster House in London on March 31 and April 1. The summit will bring together representatives from over 40 countries, alongside international institutions such as the European Union, to discuss strategies for tackling human smuggling and organized immigration crime.
Some analysts suggest that Labour’s firm stance on immigration is an attempt to prove its toughness following the election. However, human rights groups are expected to challenge the government, demanding more transparency about deportees’ destinations.
Meanwhile, the Conservative opposition is also pushing for stricter immigration policies. Last week, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch proposed extending the required residency period for foreign workers to qualify for settled status from five to ten years. Under current rules, workers and refugees can apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years, granting them access to benefits and a pathway to citizenship. The Conservative plan would delay this process significantly.
Many Nigerians who entered the UK legally—especially those on student or skilled worker visas—have faced increasing difficulties navigating the immigration system.
According to immigration experts, some Nigerian students fail to extend their visas in time, leading to last-minute notices from the Home Office informing them of impending residency expirations.
Similarly, some skilled workers on sponsored visas arrive in the UK only to find that their employers are unable to provide jobs. When the Home Office revokes the employer’s sponsorship license, affected workers face eviction threats. While some manage to switch sponsors or seek legal assistance, others find themselves at the mercy of the immigration system.
As the UK intensifies its immigration crackdown, migrants—including Nigerians—remain on edge, uncertain about their future in the country.
