By Esther Edoh
London, UK – Asylum seekers found to be working illegally in Britain should be “on the next plane home,” according to prominent Conservative figure Kemi Badenoch. Her strong remarks come amidst growing concerns about migrants earning money through unofficial channels, despite her own background as the daughter of Nigerian parents who migrated to the UK decades ago in pursuit of a better life.
Ms. Badenoch, the leader and a senior voice within the Conservative party, is advocating for illegal working to become an automatic disqualifier in the asylum process. Under her proposed change, anyone caught breaking the rules would be barred from being granted refugee status.
“If you come here illegally, take advantage of our asylum system, and then break our laws by illegally working, your asylum claim must be rejected and you should be on the next plane home,” Mrs. Badenoch asserted. She further stated that illegal working “rewards illegality, protects perpetrators and mocks hard-working taxpayers.”
Generally, asylum seekers are not permitted to work in the UK, although they can apply for permission if their asylum claim has been pending for 12 months or more without a decision.
Concerns have mounted recently regarding some migrants living in asylum hotels earning income, particularly through food delivery applications. In response, the Home Office recently reached an agreement with major delivery platforms like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats to assist in identifying riders who are not legally allowed to work in the UK. As part of this deal, the Government will share the locations of hotels housing asylum seekers.
Both Mrs. Badenoch and Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, are pushing for more stringent measures, arguing that illegal working acts as a “pull factor” for individuals attempting to cross the Channel in small boats.
Mr. Philp highlighted his observation of riders congregating at a hotel housing asylum seekers, describing it as “an underground courier cartel operating right under this Government’s nose.” He added, “Illegal working is a pull factor sold by smugglers as a reward to break in to our country and cross the Channel. That is why we are calling for new action: anyone who plays the system should have their status stripped, wages confiscated and be deported.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has previously acknowledged the issue, stating that “illegal working undermines honest business, exploits vulnerable individuals and fuels organized immigration crime.” She lauded the Home Office’s data-sharing agreement with delivery companies as “decisive action to close loopholes and increase enforcement,” noting it complements “a 50 per cent increase in raids and arrests for illegal working.”
However, Mrs. Badenoch maintained a hardline stance, vowing that “Under my leadership, the Conservatives will never allow Britain to become a soft touch for those who think they can break the rules and profit from it.”
