Understanding the latest immigration rules and enforcement

Nearly 60,000 people with no right to be in the UK have been returned since July 2024 – up 31% compared with the same period in the year before the election. Returns are rising and upcoming changes to the law are expected to make removals even easier by reducing delays and legal barriers.

A treaty between the United Kingdom and France has implemented stronger measures to deter and prevent illegal Channel crossings. As a result, individuals arriving in the UK illegally by small boat risk being detained immediately and returned to France. The UK’s joint work with France has seen over 40,000 Channel crossing attempts prevented since this Government came into office.

The Harsh Realities of Living in the UK Illegally

“Our communities can help play a role in tackling misinformation by sharing verified updates from the government and speaking openly about the realities of coming to the UK illegally.”

Ahmet Ozturk, Reader in Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University explains some of the extreme difficulties faced by people living in the UK without legal status. “Illegal migrants cannot work, are unable to access welfare benefits, and will struggle to find somewhere to live. It also involves high living costs, no stable income, and profound loneliness from being separated from your home, family, language, and culture. There is also the constant fear of being discovered, with immigration enforcement activity significantly increasing.”

Crack Down on Illegal Employment with Tougher Rules and Higher Fines
Enforcement against illegal working has surged. 2025 was the highest year on record for illegal working enforcement activity with over 9,000 arrests and 12,800 visits carried out across the UK. Working illegally – whether by overstaying a visa, breaching visa conditions, or being in the country unlawfully – is a criminal offence.

These changes can also impact businesses in the UK, as the government has increasingly tightened its stance on illegal working – and that only individuals with lawful immigration status are permitted to work, and employers must conduct thorough right‑to‑work checks.

Penalties for employing illegal workers have risen sharply, with fines reaching up to £60,000 per illegal worker and the possibility of business closure.

Asylum system reforms
The government has set out proposals to reform the asylum system, including changes to how protection is granted and how support is provided during the asylum process.

Under these proposals, individuals granted refugee status would receive permission to stay in the UK for a limited period, with cases reviewed at regular intervals. Protection would be extended where conditions in a person’s home country remain unsafe.

This government is closing every asylum hotel and moving asylum seekers into basic accommodation including ex-military sites.

Safe and legal routes
Expanding safe and legal routes is a key part of a wider approach to tackling dangerous boat crossings. These routes will ensure the system is fair, firm and sustainable. The first of these, a route for displaced students to study in the UK, will open for application in the autumn. Once control of the border has been restored, it will be followed by a route for skilled refugees to come to the UK for work and, community-led sponsorship.

For those seeking to work or study, the UK has a visa regime, which is the primary route for seeking entry into the UK.

For more information, visit: gov.uk/immigrationfacts and follow the TikTok channel @securebordersuk