UK raids net hundreds arrested, including several Indian migrants

(HILLINGDON, WEST LONDON) UK immigration officers arrested hundreds of people in a one-week sweep targeting suspected illegal working by delivery riders, with seven Indian nationals detained in Hillingdon on July 22. According to the Home Office, the late-July push—part of Operation Equalise—saw 1,780 people stopped between July 20–27, 2025, leading to 280 arrests for work without permission. Officials also confirmed that asylum support for 53 people is now under review, which could mean suspension or withdrawal of housing and cash support for those found to have broken work rules.

Dame Angela Eagle, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said, “Illegal working undermines our border security and we’re cracking down hard on it,” stressing that the government will continue to intensify enforcement nationwide. Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, described “around the clock” activity and more frequent revisits to known hotspots.

The Hillingdon arrests formed part of a wider focus on two-wheeler delivery riders in the gig economy, where officers carried out on‑street checks and workplace visits. In the July 22 Hillingdon action, seven Indian nationals were arrested; five were detained for illegal working. Media reports noted linked operations in London and Birmingham later that week, matching the national pattern under Operation Equalise.

Raids focused on delivery riders and urban hotspots

Operation Equalise ended on July 27, but the Home Office says enforcement will continue at pace. An extra £5 million has been allocated to Immigration Enforcement, drawn from a £100 million wider investment in border security. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, such funding is intended to sustain higher-frequency checks and expand intelligence-led visits in areas where non-compliance has been common.

During these operations, officers stop and question people suspected of working without permission and ask for proof of immigration status and right to work. If a person can’t show they’re allowed to work, they may be arrested.

Outcomes after arrest can include:
– Release on immigration bail while checks continue.
– Curtailment of leave or removal directions.
– Prosecution for document offences when evidence supports it.
– For asylum seekers, a review of support that may lead to loss of accommodation or financial aid.

The Home Office links enforcement to a broader plan to cut abuse in high-risk sectors such as delivery, hospitality, retail, and personal services. Officials say they will:
– Revisit hotspots more often.
– Use local intelligence to find repeat offences.
– Pursue employers who hire people without permission (civil penalties or, in serious cases, criminal action).

The government’s message is clear: compliance is no longer optional, and revisits will be common.

“Illegal working undermines our border security and we’re cracking down hard on it.” — Dame Angela Eagle

Rule changes now in force — skill and pay thresholds raised

The enforcement drive coincides with major immigration rule changes that took effect from July 22, 2025:

• The Skilled Worker route raised its required skill level from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 (degree level), removing roughly 180 previously eligible roles.
• The general salary threshold for Skilled Worker rose to about £41,700.
• The Social Care Worker route is closed to new overseas recruitment.
• Dependants have been restricted for some shortage-based routes.
• A new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) is in use during the transition; roles on the TSL are time-limited and require justification by the Migration Advisory Committee.
• Student rules were updated in late June and early July 2025, tightening conditions and pathways into work.

Transitional measures exist for some people already in lower-RQF roles, but they are time-limited.

Practical effects for employers and migrants

For employers:
– Sponsorship checks must be measured against RQF Level 6 and the £41,700 pay floor.
– Budgets for sponsorship will feel pressure from higher salaries and fees.
– Fee uplifts in April 2025 were reported at 5–10%, and further Immigration Skills Charge increases are expected by year-end.
– Sponsors should plan for closer compliance checks, especially if relying on any temporary concessions under the TSL.

For migrants:
– Options in lower-skilled roles have narrowed.
– Family decisions are harder due to new restrictions on dependants for shortage routes.
– The May 2025 White Paper, “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” proposed tougher measures (subject to parliamentary process), including higher English levels for Skilled Worker and extending qualifying periods for settlement to 10 years.
– The July Statements of Changes began to implement parts of that plan.

What workers and employers should do now

• Delivery riders and gig workers:
  • Carry valid ID and proof of immigration status and right to work at all times.
  • If you hold a visa, make sure your job fits your visa conditions.
  • If you’ve claimed asylum, remember that most asylum seekers are not allowed to work. Breaching conditions can lead to arrest and a review of support.
  • If stopped or detained, ask for legal help right away. Keep records of your status and any Home Office paperwork.
• Employers (restaurants, platforms, retailers, services):
  • Run proper right to work checks before employment and keep records. The official guidance explains how to do checks and use online status tools: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checks-employers-guide
  • Review all Certificates of Sponsorship planned on or after July 22, 2025 against RQF Level 6 and the £41,700 pay floor. If a role no longer qualifies, consider domestic hiring or re-scoping the role.
  • Plan for inspections and possible revisits. Ensure HR files, reporting, and sponsor duties are in order.
  • If relying on the TSL, prepare a workforce strategy showing why temporary access to the role is needed.
  • Update internal policies on dependants for sponsored workers on shortage-based routes.

Government officials say the aim is to prevent illegal working and support a shift toward higher-skilled migration. Community groups warn that on-street checks can frighten workers and push some people further into the shadows. Lawyers advise both sponsors and workers to keep documents ready and seek advice early if unsure about status or conditions.

Key takeaway

Operation Equalise offers a snapshot of the government’s current approach: targeted checks in sectors with known compliance problems, quick follow-up on intelligence, and tighter legal routes that raise the bar for sponsorship. With fresh funding and public statements promising more action, similar operations are expected to continue through the year.