World Immigration News

Hundreds arrested in illegal delivery rider shut down  

Release Date: 2025-08-09
Media: GOV.UK
Summary: Between 20 and 27 July 2025, the UK’s Home Office carried out “Operation Equalize,” a nationwide crackdown on illegal working, focusing on the gig economy and delivery riders. Immigration Enforcement teams stopped 1,780 people, arresting 280 for illegal work. Fifty-three individuals now face asylum support reviews, which could result in the loss of accommodation or payments.

The government announced an extra £5 million from the £100 million border security budget to expand enforcement, allowing more frequent visits to illegal working hotspots and boosting intelligence gathering. During the operation, 51 businesses were issued Civil Penalty Referral Notices, 71 vehicles (including 58 e-bikes) were seized, and £8,000 in cash plus about £460,000 in illicit cigarettes were confiscated. Arrests took place across the UK, involving nationals from India, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia.

A new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will make it a legal requirement for all companies, including gig platforms, to verify workers’ right to work, aiming to prevent abuse of flexible work arrangements. The measures are part of a broader effort to combat illegal migration, including a new UK–France treaty enabling the detention and return of small boat arrivals to France.

Since coming to power a year ago, the government has returned 35,000 people with no right to remain, reduced the number of asylum hotels, and saved millions in taxpayer funds.
Tags: United Kingdom

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