The UK government has launched a week-long campaign against alleged immigration violations, arresting 60 fast-food delivery scooter drivers via Deliveroo, JustEat and UberEats. Venues where the scooters operate were targeted by police and immigration authorities across the City of London from 16-21 April. In the aftermath of the arrests, nearly all of the drivers were arrested pending deportation.
The nationalities of the detainees were not clear, but the raids continue in areas considered vulnerable, such as restaurants and small factories. However, it is important to remember that an Italian citizen without a visa or other valid documentation allowing him to work in the country runs the risk of being detained and expelled, as it is considered confidential. The Home Ministry has promised to be increasingly tough on irregular workers.
Reasons for arresting fast food drivers in London
The week-long campaign against alleged immigration violations was launched after the government’s rhetoric against illegal workers. This operation was against the passengers or drivers of fast food companies such as Deliveroo, JustEat and UberEats, which in recent years have gained increasing popularity thanks to the express delivery service and the growing demand for food delivery.
According to the Home Office, drivers caught on these rides were not legally documented to work in the country, despite already having a job, and thus breached UK immigration laws.
position of the British government
The British government promised to crack down on illegal workers and said the arrest campaign was just the beginning of a series of measures it would take to combat illegal immigration. The Home Office said the measures were necessary to protect British workers and to ensure companies comply with immigration laws.
