In a significant crackdown on illegal immigration and unauthorized employment, UK immigration enforcement officers, alongside Belfast Harbour Police, conducted a dawn raid at a construction site in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, resulting in the arrest of 36 individuals. The operation, which targeted a sub-contractor’s workforce, led to the detention of 35 Romanian men and one 16-year-old boy.
The arrests were made on charges ranging from working in breach of visa conditions to illegal entry into the UK without permission to work. Additionally, one man was arrested on suspicion of assisting unlawful immigration. Those detained have either agreed to voluntarily leave the UK and return to their home countries or have been placed on “strict immigration bail,” requiring them to report regularly to the Home Office. The 16-year-old has been referred to relevant authorities for further investigation and support.
This raid is part of a broader government effort to clamp down on illegal working and immigration violations. Since the election, the number of such enforcement operations has surged by 38%, reflecting the government’s commitment to restoring control over the immigration system.
Dame Angela Eagle, the minister for border security and asylum, emphasized the government’s determination to tackle illegal employment and exploitation. “We’re cracking down on those who attempt to flout the rules by ramping up our enforcement activity right across the UK,” she said. “This Government is going further and faster with more visits, arrests, and returns of those with no right to be in the country, to finally restore our immigration system.”
Eagle warned that both illegal workers and those who employ or exploit them will face the full force of the law. Rogue employers can be fined up to £60,000 and face prison sentences for hiring individuals without the right to work in the UK.
The Home Office highlighted the harsh realities faced by illegal workers, who are often lured to the UK under false promises of legitimate employment and decent living conditions. Instead, many endure squalid living conditions, minimal pay, inhumane working hours, and the constant threat of arrest and deportation.
Paul McHarron, the Northern Ireland lead for immigration compliance and enforcement, underscored the broader implications of illegal working. “Not only does illegal working undermine our immigration system and economy, but it’s inextricably linked to extremely poor living conditions, inhumane working hours, and below minimum wage,” he said. “This must be stopped, which is why we’re increasing our enforcement activity to tackle this illegal activity in all its forms.”
The government’s intensified enforcement efforts have already led to the removal of nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and individuals with no right to be in the UK since July. This latest operation in Belfast demonstrates the ongoing commitment to addressing illegal immigration and protecting vulnerable workers from exploitation.
BAIL??? They will abscond for sure. Deport them now.