What Is the Government Doing to Tackle Illegal Immigration?

The question of what is the government doing to tackle illegal immigration has become one of the most debated issues in the UK. With small boat crossings in the Channel, organised criminal networks, and a backlog in the asylum system, public confidence in immigration control has been tested.

In response, the UK government has rolled out a multi-layered 2025 immigration strategy combining stronger enforcement, international partnerships, faster returns, and reforms to legal migration routes. The aim is twofold: to restore fairness by removing those with no right to remain, while ensuring that genuine applicants and skilled migrants continue to access the UK through lawful channels.

1. Strengthening UK Border Security in 2025

The first line of defence against illegal migration is UK border security 2025. The government is expanding its resources to detect and deter unlawful entry.

  • Increased patrols in the English Channel: More boats, drones, and surveillance technology to intercept small boat crossings.
  • New joint operations with France: Under the UK-France treaty, migrants arriving illegally can now be detained and returned more quickly.
  • Criminalising smuggler adverts: The new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill makes it a crime to post online content promoting illegal crossings.

By targeting both smugglers and irregular routes, the government hopes to reduce the dangerous journeys that put lives at risk.

2. Expanding International Returns Agreements

A key part of answering what is the government doing to tackle illegal immigration lies in cooperation with other countries.

  • UK-Iraq migration deal (2025): Establishes clear processes for returning those with no right to remain, while supporting reintegration in Iraq.
  • EU and bilateral diplomacy: Returns agreements ensure that migrants refused asylum can be repatriated faster.
  • Visa leverage: Countries that refuse to accept returns risk cuts in visa access for their nationals.

These measures are designed to prevent the system from being exploited by those who overstay or use false claims to remain.

3. Faster Deportation of Foreign Criminals

The government is also reforming how it handles foreign national offenders.

  • New immediate deportation powers: Allow deportation from prison without waiting for 50% of the sentence to be served (reduced now to 30%).
  • Expansion of “Deport First, Appeal Later”: This now covers 23 countries, nearly tripling from 8. Offenders are expected to appeal from abroad rather than delay removal.

These changes ensure that those who break the law are removed swiftly, freeing up space in detention centres and prisons.

4. Cracking Down on Illegal Work and Exploitation

Illegal immigration often intersects with illegal work and exploitation, particularly in low-wage sectors.

The government has increased audits and compliance checks on businesses to ensure they are not employing undocumented workers. Employers found to repeatedly break immigration or employment law face bans on hiring overseas staff under the Skilled Worker visa system.

This is framed as part of restoring public trust—ensuring that the immigration system benefits the economy while protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.

5. Reforming the Asylum System

The UK government is tackling the asylum backlog with a mix of tougher rules and more resources.

  • Faster decisions: More caseworkers and digital systems to cut delays.
  • Offshore partnerships: Exploring agreements with safe countries to host migrants while claims are processed.
  • Fair but firm stance: Those with genuine refugee claims will be supported, but those abusing the system will be removed.

This balance reflects the government’s message that compassion must go hand-in-hand with control.

6. Linking Legal Migration and Enforcement

Interestingly, the reforms show how legal and illegal migration are connected. The government argues that a fair system means tightening unlawful routes while still allowing skilled workers, students, and families to come lawfully.

For example:

  • Skilled Worker visas remain open but focused on high-wage, high-skill roles.
  • Stricter salary thresholds (2025): To reduce over-reliance on overseas recruitment in low-wage jobs.
  • Employer accountability: Businesses must invest in domestic training while responsibly sponsoring international staff.

This ensures that the UK can continue attracting global talent while discouraging irregular migration.

7. Public Messaging and Deterrence

The government recognises that enforcement alone will not answer the question of what is the government doing to tackle illegal immigration. Public messaging is crucial.

Campaigns are being rolled out to:

  • Warn migrants about the risks of illegal crossings.
  • Undermine smuggling networks that profit from false promises.
  • Reassure the British public that the system is under control.

By addressing both perception and policy, ministers aim to restore confidence at home and deter journeys abroad.

8. Early Results and Future Challenges

So far, some progress has been reported:

  • Small boat arrivals fell by nearly 30% year-on-year.
  • More than 35,000 failed asylum seekers and offenders have been removed in the last 12 months—a 14% increase.
  • International partnerships, especially with France and Iraq, have strengthened border security and returns processes.

Still, challenges remain. Organised crime adapts quickly, public trust takes time to rebuild, and legal challenges to policies continue in UK courts.

Conclusion: What Is the Government Doing to Tackle Illegal Immigration?

The UK’s 2025 approach is comprehensive. The answer to what is the government doing to tackle illegal immigration spans:

  • Stronger border security and surveillance.
  • International agreements to speed up returns.
  • Faster deportation of criminals.
  • Crackdowns on illegal work.
  • Asylum reforms to clear the backlog.
  • Linking legal migration to domestic workforce strategy.

The government calls this a Plan for Change—a reset that prioritises control, fairness, and public confidence.

For individuals, families, and employers, it means paying closer attention to immigration compliance, lawful routes, and updated rules. For those with no right to remain, it means removal is increasingly certain.

Contact Worldwide Immigration Ltd

At Worldwide Immigration Ltd, we provide expert, up-to-date guidance on UK immigration law. If you’re navigating visa applications, compliance, or family migration issues, our team is here to help.

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