The UK government has intensified its efforts to secure borders and curb immigration system abuse, revoking a record 1,948 visa sponsor licences between July 2024 and June 2025. This marks a significant increase from the 937 licences revoked in the previous year, demonstrating a robust commitment to tackling illegal practices.
Employers in sectors like adult social care, hospitality, retail, and construction have faced scrutiny for exploiting migrant workers and undercutting British workers. Common violations include underpaying staff, facilitating illegal immigration, and failing to provide promised work. The government’s tougher stance includes financial penalties, business closures, and potential prosecutions for non-compliant employers.
This crackdown aligns with broader efforts to reduce migration and protect vulnerable workers. The government has also announced visa restrictions for countries failing to cooperate on migrant returns, alongside a 51% surge in illegal working arrests and a 13% increase in removals (35,000 individuals) compared to the prior year. The National Crime Agency (NCA) reports record-high enforcement activity targeting smuggling gangs.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp MP, stated:
“We will not tolerate unscrupulous employers exploiting our immigration system. Those who undercut British workers or mistreat vulnerable staff will face severe consequences.”
Enhanced data sharing and a shift from reliance on physical compliance visits have driven the surge in revocations. With current trends, the number of revoked licences is expected to rise further this year, reinforcing the government’s Plan for Change to deliver stricter immigration control.
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