Thirty-six illegal workers arrested in Belfast raid

In a major operation early this morning, authorities arrested 36 individuals at a construction site in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. The raid was conducted by immigration enforcement officers and Belfast Harbour Police. The group included 35 Romanian men and one 16-year-old boy. They were arrested for various violations, such as working without the correct visa and entering the UK illegally. One individual was also held on suspicion of helping with unlawful immigration. Those arrested have been given two options: they can leave the UK voluntarily or be placed under strict immigration bail, which requires them to check in regularly with the Home Office. The teenager has been referred for further support and investigation. This raid is part of a larger increase in enforcement actions, which have surged by 38% since the recent election. Dame Angela Eagle, the minister for border security, emphasized that the government is intensifying efforts to crack down on illegal workers and non-compliant employers. She stated that those who exploit illegal workers will face severe penalties, including fines of up to £60,000 and possible prison time. The Home Office noted that many illegal workers are misled about their rights and often endure poor living conditions and low wages. Paul McHarron, a leader in immigration compliance, expressed hope that these arrests show a strong commitment to tackling illegal employment. He stated that such practices harm the economy and contribute to the suffering of exploited workers. Since July, nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and individuals without proper rights have been removed from the UK.