Introduction

The UK government announced on Sunday that it will increase penalties for employers and landlords who allow undocumented migrants to work or rent housing as part of new measures to curb the arrival of migrants.

The Conservative government, whose popularity is waning ahead of next year’s general election, is seeking to stem the flow of migrants by boat across the English Channel.

New Measures to Deter Undocumented Migrants

The Home Office said “illegal recruitment and rentals are a magnet” for migrants who risk their lives to enter the UK.

The ministry added in a statement that civil penalties for employers would triple to £45,000 ($57,000) per worker.

The fines imposed on property owners will increase from LE 1,000 per tenant to a maximum of LE 10,000, with tenant penalties also increasing.

She pointed out that in case of repeated violations, fines will be higher, and employers and owners should check the compliance with the requirements of workers and tenants.

The new fines will come into effect in early 2024, the ministry said, indicating that the fines were last changed in 2014.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said: “Making it difficult for illegal immigrants to find work in the UK is vital to preventing dangerous and unnecessary small craft crossings.”

Government’s Determination to Stop Illegal Migrants

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to “stop” illegal migrants from entering his country across the English Channel in small boats that often sail from the nearby French coast.

And last month, the government passed a controversial law banning immigrants who entered the United Kingdom illegally from seeking asylum in that country, a move that was strongly condemned by the United Nations.

And in 2022, more than 45,000 immigrants arrived on the coast of England by boat, a record number. Since the beginning of the year, their number has exceeded 13 thousand.