Illegal immigrants will face six months in jail if they come to work in the UK and late-night takeaways and taxi firms will be closed if they employ them, ministers will announce.
Ahead of net migration figures on Thursday that are expected to show a record number of foreigners are coming to the UK, the Government will unveil its latest crackdown on illegal foreign workers.
As part of the plans drawn up in the wake of the Calais immigration crisis, the Government will create a new offence of illegal working which will come with a prison sentence of up to six months as well as an unlimited fine.
The authorities will also be able to seize wages as “proceeds of crime”.
It means that instead of being taken to detention centres, illegal migrants will be processed through the courts before being taken to jail.
Ministers believe it will act as a deterrent and prevent thousands of migrants attempting to gain access to the UK from European ports including Calais.
As part of the new measures, off-licences, curry houses, Chinese restaurants and other takeaway firms will face closure if they are found to be employing illegal workers.
The Government will also consider extending these powers to cover minicab firms, the Home Office said.
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/11821728/Illegal-immigrants-working-in-UK-face-six-months-in-prison-ministers-announce.html
