Illegal working remains a persistent feature of the shadow economy, affecting legitimate businesses and undermining compliance across multiple sectors in the UK.
The Home Office has announced that immigration enforcement raids and illegal working arrests have reached their highest level on record, following intensified nationwide activity by Immigration Enforcement teams.
The Home Office has confirmed a record rise in immigration enforcement raids and illegal working arrests across the UK, published on 13 January 2026. The figures show sharp increases in inspections, arrests and removals since mid-2024, following increased funding and expanded enforcement powers. Ministers say the activity is intended to deter illegal working, disrupt organised immigration crime and restore control of the immigration system.
Introduction
The Home Office published new figures on 13 January 2026 showing that illegal working raids and arrests have reached their highest levels in British history. The data covers activity from July 2024 to the end of December 2025.
The announcement follows a period of increased enforcement funding and policy reforms aimed at reducing illegal working and strengthening border security. Ministers linked the figures to wider efforts to discourage irregular migration and improve compliance with right to work rules.
Record enforcement activity across the UK
The latest figures show a substantial increase in enforcement activity since the current government took office. Raids carried out by Immigration Enforcement teams rose sharply across the UK, alongside a corresponding rise in arrests for illegal working.
Over the period reported, enforcement activity focused on identifying individuals working without permission and businesses seeking to evade immigration rules. The Home Office said the scale of activity reflects a sustained operational push.
- 77% increase in raids since July 2024
- 83% rise in illegal working arrests
UK Enforcement Overview
| Total raids | More than 17,400 inspections carried out nationwide |
| Total arrests | Over 12,300 illegal working arrests recorded |
Targeting illegal working and high-risk sectors
Immigration Enforcement teams targeted a range of sectors associated with illegal working, including nail bars, car washes, barbers and takeaway shops. Officials said these businesses are often used to undercut lawful employment and conceal exploitation.
The Home Office stated that enforcement activity is aimed at protecting compliant employers while disrupting those who deliberately flout the law. Raids were conducted across urban and regional locations.
- Nail bars and beauty services
- Car washes and barbers
Impact in Wales
Wales recorded a marked rise in immigration enforcement activity during 2025. The Home Office confirmed that raids and arrests in Wales increased substantially compared with the previous year.
Officials said the figures demonstrate a consistent application of enforcement policy across devolved nations. Activity focused on both urban centres and smaller communities.
Wales Enforcement Figures
| Raids conducted | 1,320 inspections carried out in 2025 |
| Arrests made | 649 illegal working arrests recorded |
Funding, technology and new enforcement powers
The Home Office said a £5 million funding boost for Immigration Enforcement in 2025 supported the increase in operational activity. Additional resources were used to expand inspection capacity and follow-up action.
All Immigration Enforcement teams are now equipped with body worn video technology, following a rollout that began in September 2025. Ministers said this capability is intended to support arrests and prosecutions.
Border security and organised immigration crime
The government linked illegal working enforcement to broader efforts to tackle organised immigration crime. Multi-agency taskforces are working to disrupt criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling.
Over the past 12 months, authorities reported a surge in disruptions related to smuggling activity. The Home Office said enforcement against illegal working reduces incentives used by gangs to promote dangerous journeys.
Case examples from recent operations
The Home Office highlighted several recent enforcement visits to illustrate the scope of activity. These included inspections of warehouses, construction sites and local businesses.
Arrests involved individuals of different nationalities, with outcomes including detention for removal, immigration bail and voluntary departure from the UK.
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
Shabana Mahmood MP, Home Secretary said;
“There is no place for illegal working in our communities. That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide. I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders.”
Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales said;
“Illegal working fuels the black economy and hurts law-abiding Welsh businesses. This government was clear that we will crack down on people and firms who are flouting the rules, and we have delivered this with a record year of enforcement activity across Wales.”
A Final Reflection
The Home Office said the record enforcement figures reflect a sustained focus on reducing illegal working and strengthening compliance across the UK. Ministers stated that funding, technology and legislative changes will continue to support enforcement activity.
Officials indicated that efforts will remain focused on deterring illegal migration and ensuring that only those with permission are able to work in the UK.
Sources: Home Office, Wales Office, The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP and The Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
