Record fines for people who employ or accommodate illegal migrants come into force
The UK Home Office has announced a significant increase in fines for employers and landlords who knowingly employ or rent to illegal migrants. The new rules, set to take effect from Tuesday 13 February 2024, will see fines for businesses triple from £15,000 for the first offence to £45,000. Repeat offenders could face fines of up to £60,000.
For landlords, the fines will increase from £80 per lodger and £1,000 per occupier for a first breach to up to £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per occupier. Further breaches could result in penalties of up to £10,000 per lodger and £20,000 per occupier.
The Home Office will also consult on options to strengthen action against licensed businesses employing illegal workers later this year. Since the start of 2018, almost 5,000 civil penalties have been issued to employers with a total value of £88.4m, while landlords have been hit with over 320 civil penalties worth a total of £215,500.
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick stated that making it harder for illegal migrants to work and operate in the UK is vital to deterring dangerous, unnecessary small boat crossings. He added that unscrupulous landlords and employers who allow illegal working and renting enable the business model of the evil people smugglers to continue. The increased fines aim to deter employers and landlords from engaging in these illegal practices, further deterring people from attempting to come to the UK illegally
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