In 2025, the UK has introduced new measures to tighten immigration controls and improve border security. These changes aim to crack down on illegal working, manage record migrant crossings, and streamline data sharing with delivery companies and other agencies. If you're curious about how these updates might affect migrants, delivery workers, or border enforcement, read on for answers to the most common questions about these new policies.
-
Why is the UK tightening immigration checks on delivery apps?
The UK government is increasing data sharing with delivery companies to identify misuse and illegal working, especially by asylum seekers. Real-time identity checks and sharing locations of asylum hotels help authorities crack down on those working illegally or overstaying visas. This move is part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws more effectively and reduce illegal employment in the gig economy.
-
How will new data sharing affect asylum seekers?
Sharing data such as locations of asylum hotels and real-time identity checks aims to prevent asylum seekers from overstaying or working illegally. While these measures help enforce immigration laws, they also raise questions about privacy and fair treatment. The government argues that these steps are necessary to manage record migrant crossings and ensure lawful processing of asylum claims.
-
What are the implications of record migrant crossings in 2025?
With over 23,500 migrants arriving via the English Channel this year, authorities are under pressure to manage the surge. The increased crossings have led to a focus on border enforcement, deportations, and stricter checks. These measures aim to control the flow of migrants, prevent illegal working, and ensure the integrity of the UK's immigration system.
-
How effective are these new measures likely to be?
While the government claims that increased data sharing, real-time checks, and stricter enforcement will reduce illegal working and migrant overstays, the true effectiveness remains to be seen. These policies are part of a broader strategy to manage migration, but challenges such as smuggling networks and misinformation may still pose hurdles.
-
Will these changes impact legal migrants or workers?
The new checks and data sharing primarily target illegal working and overstays. Legal migrants and workers who comply with immigration laws should not be affected. However, all companies, including gig economy firms, will need to verify workers' legal status, which could lead to more rigorous checks for everyone involved in employment and delivery services.
-
What is the UK government’s broader migration strategy for 2025?
The UK’s migration strategy includes expediting deportations of failed asylum seekers, cracking down on smuggling networks, and increasing border security. The government is also working on diplomatic deals, such as with Iraq, to facilitate faster deportations. These efforts aim to reduce illegal crossings and ensure that migration is managed within legal frameworks.