UK TO DEPORT MIGRANTS WORKING ILLEGALLY AS FOOD DELIVERY RIDERS

The UK government has launched a nationwide crackdown targeting migrants working illegally as food delivery riders for popular platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has ordered intensified immigration enforcement operations across the country, with the aim of arresting and deporting individuals found working without the legal right to do so. Many of those targeted are asylum seekers living in state-funded accommodation who, under UK law, are barred from employment while their claims are processed.
Authorities say the move follows investigations revealing that some migrants arriving via small boats are quickly entering the gig economy by renting delivery accounts from legal users. In some cases, the illegal workers reportedly begin making deliveries within hours of entering the country.
“This exploitation of the system undermines our immigration rules and creates a serious pull factor for criminal smuggling gangs,” said Cooper in a statement. “We are taking decisive action to enforce the law and protect legitimate job opportunities.”
The Home Office reported a 51% increase in arrests for illegal working over the past year, with more than 7,100 individuals detained. Enforcement visits have also risen sharply, and several delivery riders have already been arrested in raids on asylum hotels and hostels.
Delivery companies are now facing pressure to tighten identity checks. Firms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats have pledged to enhance security, including facial recognition and daily device verification to prevent account sharing.
New laws under the proposed Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will require all gig economy platforms to perform strict right-to-work checks. Employers found in violation may face fines of up to £60,000 per worker and possible criminal prosecution.
Asylum seekers found violating the work ban risk losing their housing and financial support and may be deported. The Home Office insists the crackdown is necessary to maintain the integrity of the immigration system.