Home Office Under Pressure to Curb Asylum Seeker Employment and Address Border Control Concerns

The Home Office faced criticism and was urged to address the issue of asylum seekers working illegally as delivery drivers. Reform MP Lee Anderson condemned the situation, describing it as a sign of "soft-touch Britain." He warned that the Home Office had lost control of the asylum system, citing an investigation that revealed asylum seekers residing in migrant hotels were making deliveries for companies like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats, despite being prohibited from working. Anderson suggested that the government's perceived leniency was contributing to a rise in illegal Channel crossings.

Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called for an end to the practice, emphasizing that allowing illegal migrants to work while being housed in taxpayer-funded hotels sent the wrong message. The Home Office acknowledged flaws in enforcing employment laws and stated it was taking action. Border security minister Dame Angela Eagle was scheduled to meet with food delivery companies. An investigation observed multiple individuals leaving a London asylum hotel to perform delivery work, even though asylum seekers are generally not permitted to work for at least a year while their claims are processed.

The investigation also noted other residents engaging in antisocial behavior outside the hotel. Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat require drivers to provide documentation proving their right to work in the UK. However, Home Office officials suspected that individuals with the necessary paperwork were setting up accounts with delivery firms and then selling them to asylum seekers. Philp wrote to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, after witnessing illegal working firsthand, arguing that the ability to work illegally was a factor driving illegal immigration.

The Home Office stated that the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill would address a legal loophole. Dame Angela highlighted the government's efforts to combat illegal working. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to collaborate with European partners to tackle illegal migration. Representatives from Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats stated their commitment to ensuring that drivers have the right to work in the UK and that they were taking measures to prevent misuse of their platforms.

The article also mentioned the number of migrants who have crossed the Channel this year. The Home Office is seeking alternative accommodation for asylum seekers currently housed in hotels. However, the independent chief inspector of borders and immigration expressed doubt that the government would meet its goal of ending the use of hotels before the next election.