Belfast raid leads to 36 arrests for illegal work

A recent operation by the Home Office in Belfast led to the arrest of 36 people, including a 16-year-old boy. The arrests took place at a construction site in the Titanic Quarter. Immigration enforcement officers raided the site early on Wednesday, looking for illegal workers. Most of those arrested were Romanian men employed by a sub-contractor. Their offences included working while breaching visa conditions and entering the UK illegally. One individual was also arrested for allegedly helping with unlawful immigration. Those detained have either agreed to return home or are now under strict bail conditions. The Home Office indicated that the teenage boy has been referred for further investigation and support. Dame Angela Eagle, the Minister for Border Security, stated that this operation is part of a broader crackdown on illegal workers and employers. She emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing enforcement and restoring the immigration system. Illegal working visits have increased by 38% since the last election, according to the Home Office. They aim to catch illegal workers and those who exploit them, highlighting the risks these workers face, such as poor conditions and low pay. Severe penalties await employers who violate the law, including fines and prison sentences. Paul McHarron, a leader in immigration compliance for Northern Ireland, expressed hope that these arrests show the government’s determination to address these issues. He stated that illegal working undermines the economy and can lead to serious exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The Home Office also plans to introduce new powers to combat human smuggling in the upcoming months.