UK plans crackdown on illegal migrant workers

Migrants found working illegally in England and Wales face up to six months in prison and could have their wages seized under proposals announced by the British government yesterday, AFP reports from London.
The proposals come with the centre-right Conservative government under pressure to show it is in control of immigration, one of the most sensitive topics in British politics, after increased attempts by migrants to reach England by crossing the Channel from France.
"Anyone who thinks the UK is a soft touch should be in no doubt -- if you are here illegally, we will take action to stop you from working, renting a flat, opening a bank account or driving a car," immigration minister James Brokenshire said in a statement.
"Illegal workers will face the prospect of a prison term and rogue employers could have their businesses closed, have their licences removed, or face prosecution if they continue to flout the law."
After serving their jail term, the illegal migrants will be moved to a detention centre awaiting deportation, but the government hopes that the prospect of a spell behind bars beforehand will prove to be even more of a deterrent.
"More important is for the message to go out that if you are here illegally and caught working, you and your employer will end up in court," said Alp Mehmet, of Migration Watch UK, which campaigns for tighter immigration restrictions.
Josephine Goube from pro-immigrant charity Migreat criticised the announcement, saying that "putting illegal immigrants in prison is to get votes" rather than to tackle the problem.
Anti-mass immigration party UKIP also said the measure was politically motivated ahead of the release of Britain's official annual net migration figures. "Sending illegally working immigrants to jail will cost a fortune and put huge pressure on the prison system," said UKIP migration spokesman Steven Woolfe.

 

UK plans crackdown on illegal migrant workers

Migrants found working illegally in England and Wales face up to six months in prison and could have their wages seized under proposals announced by the British government yesterday, AFP reports from London. The proposals come with the centre-right Conservative government under pressure to show it is in control of immigration, one of the most sensitive topics in British politics, after increased attempts by migrants to reach England by crossing the Channel from France. Anyone who thinks the UK is a soft touch should be in no doubt -- if you are here illegally, we will take action to stop you from working, renting a flat, opening a bank account or driving a car, immigration minister James Brokenshire said in a statement. Illegal workers will face the prospect of a prison term and rogue employers could have their businesses closed, have their licences removed, or face prosecution if they continue to flout the law. After serving their jail term, the illegal migrants will be moved to a detention centre awaiting deportation, but the government hopes that the prospect of a spell behind bars beforehand will prove to be even more of a deterrent. More important is for the message to go out that if you are here illegally and caught working, you and your employer will end up in court, said Alp Mehmet, of Migration Watch UK, which campaigns for tighter immigration restrictions. Josephine Goube from pro-immigrant charity Migreat criticised the announcement, saying that putting illegal immigrants in prison is to get votes rather than to tackle the problem. Anti-mass immigration party UKIP also said the measure was politically motivated ahead of the release of Britains official annual net migration figures. Sending illegally working immigrants to jail will cost a fortune and put huge pressure on the prison system, said UKIP migration spokesman Steven Woolfe.