The UK Home Office is sharing asylum hotel locations with food delivery companies to combat illegal work among migrant riders, aiming to identify and suspend accounts facilitating such practices.

This data-sharing initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes increased raids, tougher legislation, and enhanced enforcement to crack down on illegal working.

The UK government’s efforts are driven by a record influx of over 23,500 migrants crossing the English Channel in 2025, with measures aimed at deterring further illegal migration from France.

While asylum seekers are generally prohibited from working during the first year of their claims, many have been earning illegally as delivery riders, sometimes making up to £1,000 a week.

Many migrant riders rent accounts for between £50 and £120 weekly to work illegally, often due to the lack of legal work permits, with some sharing accounts with registered drivers.

Gig economy firms have increased real-time identity and right-to-work checks, removing thousands of workers from platforms, but enforcement remains inconsistent, especially for self-employed riders.

Despite measures like facial recognition and mandatory registration, checks are not uniformly applied, and there are no penalties for those circumventing the system.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that illegal working undermines legitimate businesses and exploits vulnerable individuals, announcing enhanced data sharing and enforcement measures.

The UK is ramping up efforts against migrant smuggling gangs with new sanctions targeting leaders involved in facilitating illegal immigration.

The government has launched a nationwide campaign to deter illegal crossings from France, coinciding with recent agreements with French officials to return some migrants.

Recent protests and disturbances at asylum hotels, including the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, reflect community concerns over the impact of asylum accommodations.