VOI World/ Desk
Seven Indian nationals have been detained in a major UK immigration enforcement operation targeting suspected illegal workers at parcel delivery depots, highlighting Britain’s intensified efforts to tackle unlawful employment and immigration violations.
The arrests took place during coordinated raids at facilities operated by international parcel delivery company DPD in Basingstoke, Hampshire, and Newbury, Berkshire. Immigration enforcement officers carried out right-to-work checks on more than 100 individuals during the operation.
According to the UK Home Office, seven Indian nationals, along with one Pakistani and one Ghanaian national, were identified as suspected immigration offenders. One Indian national was detained at the Newbury depot, while six others were detained at the Basingstoke site. All have been placed on immigration bail while authorities continue investigations into their employment status and right to work in the UK.
Officials said that if the individuals are ultimately found to be working unlawfully, they could face removal from the country. The Home Office also indicated that investigations would examine whether employers or recruitment agencies breached immigration regulations by hiring workers without proper authorisation.
The operation forms part of the British government’s wider campaign against illegal working and irregular migration. Authorities noted that enforcement activity has increased significantly over the past year, with a sharp rise in workplace inspections and arrests across the country. Employers found violating right-to-work rules can face financial penalties of up to £60,000 per worker and other sanctions.
DPD said it had cooperated fully with the enforcement operation and maintained that it has established procedures to verify workers’ eligibility for employment. The company added that it would review its recruitment processes as well as those of third-party agencies and suppliers involved in hiring workers.
The case has drawn attention in India due to the number of Indian nationals involved and comes amid continued scrutiny of migration, labour compliance and overseas employment opportunities in the UK.
