VOI World/ Desk
The UK Home Office has launched a week-long crackdown on illegal working, particularly targeting delivery riders across the country. Dubbed Operation Equalise, the campaign ran from July 20 to July 27 and focused on identifying migrants and asylum seekers working without proper documentation.
During the operation, enforcement teams stopped 1,780 individuals and arrested 280 for illegal employment. Among those detained were several Indian nationals—seven were arrested in Hillingdon, West London, with five detained specifically for illegal work.
UK Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, emphasized that such illegal work undermines border security, stating the operation is part of a wider effort to combat organised immigration-related crime.
As a result of the crackdown, the asylum support of 53 individuals is now under review, and they could face suspension of housing and financial aid. The Home Office also announced a £5 million funding boost to further bolster future enforcement activity.
This move comes amid prior warnings that migrants caught working illegally—especially those in the food delivery sector—risk losing their asylum support and could even be removed from the UK.
The sweeping measures highlight the government’s intensified focus on maintaining immigration laws and border integrity.
