The UK’s Hard Line on Illegal Migration: Secure Borders, Stricter Employment Rules, and the Harsh Reality of Life Without Legal Status

Attempting to enter or live in the UK without legal permission now carries greater risks than ever. Following the Home Secretary’s announcement of the most sweeping reforms to the asylum system in modern times, restoring order and control to Britain’s borders, attempting to enter or live in the UK without legal permission now carries greater risks than ever. The UK’s government enforcement activity has intensified, leading to record numbers of removals and tougher penalties for those who breach immigration rules.

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

Whilst the UK has often been an attractive place to come to, the reality can be completely different when arriving illegally – with intensified enforcement action, increased removals and the possible risk to life through the dangerous journeys. 

Awale Elmi, Director at RISE Projects has noted “Our communities can play an important role in countering misinformation by sharing trusted government information and having honest conversations about the realities and risks of entering the UK through illegal routes."

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