Immigration penalties in the UK: fines, arrests and deportation risks

The UK has some of the most comprehensive immigration enforcement systems in the world, and recent years have seen a marked increase in the UK Government’s efforts to detect and penalise immigration offences.

Immigration offences are criminal offences, as opposed to civil ones leading to civil penalties, and are typically imposed by the Home Office to enforce immigration regulations. Being found guilty of an immigration offence can result in serious consequences, including imprisonment.

Immigration offences can fall into two main categories:

• Civil penalties, often applied to employers or landlords who fail to comply with immigration checks (such as Right to Work or Right to Rent).
• Criminal offences, which may apply to both individuals and employers, and which can lead to prosecution, fines, imprisonment or deportation.

Individuals and organised groups can commit immigration offences ranging from illegal entry into the UK, facilitation of illegal entry, use and possession of false documentation and employment of illegal entrants.

Fines for employers and landlords

Employers who hire individuals without the legal right to work in the UK may face civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker. The Home Office has also expanded its enforcement activities by increasing inspections and encouraging anonymous tip-offs. Similarly, landlords who rent to individuals without the right to reside can be fined or even face criminal prosecution if they knowingly allow unlawful occupation.

Whilst the Home Office does not publish official figures on the total number of illegal migrants living in the UK, the Migration Observatory estimates that the number ranges between 800,000 to 1.2 million. The Home Office have, however, published data stating that between 5 July 2024 and 31 January 2025, the number of enforcement visits they have made to businesses suspected of working illegally has increased by 38%. Arrests of individuals found to be working illegally rose by a similar percentage during the same period.

Increased immigration enforcement, alongside a number of legislative changes and consultations, such as the Nationality Borders Act 2022 and the Immigration Offences consultation, published by the independent ‘Sentencing Council’, reflect a broader push for greater clarity in sentencing guidelines. The aim is to support a more efficient and effective prosecution process for immigration-related offences.

Penalties for individuals working illegally

Penalties for individuals working illegally in the UK can be severe. Working without permission is a criminal offence under Section 24B of the Immigration Act 1971, and includes scenarios such as working on a visitor visa, exceeding permitted working hours as a student or continuing to work after a visa has expired. Individuals found working illegally may face arrest and detention, seizure of their earnings, fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Additionally, a criminal conviction can have long-term consequences, including impacting future visa applications and leading to deportation.

This offence is often pursued aggressively, especially where fraud or deception is involved (e.g. using false identities or documents).

The most common offences that are prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are:

• Entering the UK without leave or entry clearance.
• Assisting unlawful immigration to the UK.
• Possession of false identification with improper intention.
• Entering the UK without a passport.
• Knowingly employing illegal workers.

Conclusion

Immigration offences in the UK carry serious penalties – from hefty fines and criminal records to arrest and deportation. With enforcement activities on the rise and sentencing guidelines tightening, it is more important than ever to stay compliant and informed.

If you are concerned about your immigration status or legal risks, do not wait – contact a qualified immigration solicitor as soon as possible. Knowing your rights and obligations can make all the difference.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2025