More than 350 illegal workers arrested in Scotland by immigration enforcement

More than 350 illegal working arrests were made in Scotland in the last year, with figures rising to the highest levels in the UK since records began.

Immigration Enforcement teams made more than 500 visits to premises in Scotland between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025.

The number of arrests and visits marked a 30% increase on the year before. 

Home Office statistics showed more than 8,000 illegal migrants were arrested in 11,000 raids across the UK as a whole. Arrests increased by 63% and visits rose by 51% year on year.

The Home Office says more than 1,050 foreign nationals encountered during those operations have been removed from the country.

The UK Government says it has invested £5m to target illegal workers in premises such as takeaways, beauty salons and car washes.

During one visit on August 22, two men were arrested for working illegally at a takeaway in Lochgelly.

The following month, two men were arrested at a restaurant in Fort William and five arrests were made at a takeaway in Aberdeen in October.

Bosses who hire illegal workers could face up to five years in prison, fines of £60,000 per worker, and have their businesses closed under new laws.

While it is a criminal offence for migrants to work illegally, only companies using traditional employer-to-employee contracts are obliged to verify someone’s immigration status.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Illegal working creates an incentive for people attempting to arrive in this country illegally. No more.

“Those found to be illegally working in beauty salons, car washes and as delivery drivers will be arrested, detained and removed from this country.

“I will do whatever it takes to secure Britain’s borders.”

The UK Government announced last month that it will introduce digital ID, which will be mandatory to prove someone’s right to work by the end of the current Parliament.