Migrant wages to be seized as proceeds of crime

Illegal migrants will face jail sentences for working in the UK under new measures to be included in the new Immigration Bill.

A new offence of illegal working will allow wages to be seized as proceeds of crime, and those prosecuted could face up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine.

The Bill, is due to be introduced this autumn, will propose a range of new powers aimed at deterring migrants from working in the UK illegally and to deal more effectively with rogue businesses who offer them employment.

Immigration minister James Brokenshire said: '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.

'As a one nation government, we will continue to crack down on abuse and build an immigration system that works in the best interests of the British people and those who play by the rules.'

He continued: 'Through our new Immigration Bill, 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.'

The government is to change the existing evidence requirement to boost prosecutions, and the current maximum sentence increased from two to five years for those employers who know, or reasonably suspect, the person they employ has no permission to work in the UK.

Employers could see their business closed for up to 48 hours while they prove right to work checks have been conducted on staff, or be placed under special measures by the court, which could lead to continued closure and compliance checks.

Any pub, off-licence, or late night takeaway that fails to comply with immigration laws or employs illegal workers could be stripped of their licence to operate. Consideration is also being given to extend these powers to cover minicab drivers and operators.

John van der Luit-Drummond is deputy editor for Solicitors Journal
john.vanderluit@solicitorsjournal.co.uk | @JvdLD