Introduction
The UK is witnessing the highest level of Immigration Enforcement activity in its history. According to recent government updates, illegal working raids and arrests have surged dramatically since July 2024.
For UK sponsor licence holders, this is not just news — it is a direct compliance warning. At UKVICAS, we see this as a critical moment for employers to review, strengthen, and evidence their immigration compliance systems.
Record-Breaking Enforcement Activity Across the UK
Immigration Enforcement teams under the Home Office have intensified operations nationwide.
Key figures reported:
- 77% increase in enforcement raids since July 2024
- 83% rise in illegal working arrests
- 17,400+ raids carried out across the UK
- 12,300+ arrests made
- £5 million funding boost allocated specifically to target illegal working
Raids have focused on sectors historically linked with illegal working, including nail bars, car washes, barbers, and takeaway businesses.
Government Position: Zero Tolerance on Illegal Working
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, made the government’s position clear:
“There is no place for illegal working in our communities.
We have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide.”
This enforcement push forms part of a wider strategy to:
- Restore control to the immigration system
- Remove incentives for illegal migration
- Disrupt criminal gangs exploiting illegal working
The government has also confirmed the removal of 50,000 illegal migrants, marking a 23% increase under the current administration.
Why This Matters for UKVICAS Users
While enforcement action targets illegal workers and criminal employers, compliant sponsor licence holders are not immune from scrutiny.
In practice, raids often lead to:
- Right to Work checks being reviewed retrospectively
- Requests for employment records
- Sponsor licence compliance inspections
- Civil penalties where documentation is incomplete or outdated
At UKVICAS, we consistently advise that good intent is not enough — evidence-based compliance is now essential.
How UKVICAS Protects Compliant Employers
UKVICAS is designed to help sponsor licence holders stay inspection-ready at all times by maintaining structured, auditable records aligned with Home Office expectations.
UKVICAS helps employers:
- Maintain Right to Work evidence
- Monitor immigration status and visa expiry dates
- Track employee absences
- Store pay slips, contracts, and employment records
- Maintain Appendix D–style compliance documentation
In an environment where enforcement teams are operating at record levels, having organised, accessible, and up-to-date records can make the difference between a smooth inspection and serious compliance consequences.
Final Note for Sponsor Licence Holders
The Home Office has made it clear that enforcement activity will continue and expand further across towns, cities, and villages. There is now no margin for informal or manual compliance practices.
For UK employers who value their sponsor licence, proactive compliance is no longer optional.
Want to ensure your records are inspection-ready?
UKVICAS supports sponsor licence holders with structured, compliant, and auditable HR record-keeping.
Request a free demo and see how UKVICAS helps you stay compliant.