The Home Office has announced a 'nationwide blitz' targeting asylum seekers who take jobs illegally, following recent controversy over individuals in asylum hotels working as food delivery riders for companies such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats.
In a statement, the Home Office pledged to begin 'a major operation to disrupt this type of criminality,' with enforcement teams focusing on the gig economy, particularly delivery riders. The operation will bring together officers across the UK to increase focus on migrants suspected of working illegally while in taxpayer-funded accommodation or receiving financial support.
The announcement comes after media reports revealed that asylum seekers, who are banned from working while their claims are processed, have been using the log-ins of people with official migration status to work for delivery companies. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp recently posted a video of himself at an asylum hotel in London, showing bikes laden with delivery bags in the courtyard.
On Monday, Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat agreed to increase facial verification checks for riders after a meeting with Home Office ministers. The Home Office warned that those caught working illegally could lose their accommodation or support payments, while businesses employing unauthorised workers face fines of up to £60,000 per worker, director disqualifications, or prison terms.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government is increasing action to combat the 'pull factor' of such work but acknowledged there is no single solution to illegal migration. The government has signed agreements with international partners to dismantle smuggling gangs and made significant arrests.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to discuss the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron next week, potentially agreeing a 'one in, one out' deal to return small boat arrivals to France in exchange for accepting asylum seekers with links to Britain via formal routes.
