UK Immigration Enforcement: Record Number of Offenders Removed in 2021
In a bold move to crack down on immigration offenders, the UK has seen a surge in the number of foreign criminals and immigration offenders being removed from the country. Since Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new Labour administration took office in July, there has been a significant increase in deportations, with a total of 16,400 individuals being removed in 2021. This marks the highest number of offenders being deported since 2018, according to a statement released by the UK Home Office.
Labour Government’s Tough Stance on Migration
Under the new Labour administration, immigration enforcement has become a top priority, with a 24% year-on-year increase in enforced returns. The government is keen to demonstrate its firm stance on migration, particularly after abandoning the previous Conservative government’s controversial plan to deport migrants arriving illegally on small boats to Rwanda. This shift in policy has been met with both support and criticism, as the UK grapples with the challenges posed by high levels of migration.
Crackdown on Illegal Working and People Smuggling
In addition to deportations, the UK government has ramped up efforts to tackle illegal working and people smuggling. Inspectors have been deployed to car washes, nail bars, and construction sites to target suspected dodgy employers, resulting in a 32% increase in visits compared to the previous year. There have also been 29% more arrests made in connection with illegal working, indicating a more aggressive approach to combatting these practices.
Concerns and Controversies
Despite the government’s efforts to tighten immigration controls, concerns persist among voters regarding the impact of high levels of migration on essential services such as housing, education, and healthcare. The issue of small boat crossings, in particular, has become a contentious topic, with far-right riots erupting over the summer and attempts to burn down hotels housing asylum seekers. Asylum seekers, who make up less than 10% of migrants to the UK, have faced increased scrutiny, prompting the government to expedite the processing of asylum claims to reduce reliance on costly temporary housing solutions.
Overall, the UK’s record number of immigration offenders being removed in 2021 reflects the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting national security. While these measures have garnered support from some quarters, they have also sparked debate and raised questions about the broader implications of the UK’s immigration policies.
