The Prime Minister is expected to raise the issue with Emmanuel Macron during the French President’s visit to Downing Street today, amid growing concern that UK enforcement alone cannot stem the flow.
A “nationwide blitz” by the Home Office aims to target asylum seekers working illegally, with enforcement action focused on gig economy platforms, including Uber Eats and Deliveroo. But behind the scenes, more radical options are likely under discussion.
Several European countries, including France, Germany and the Netherlands, already use biometric or digital ID cards. These systems are often linked to work permits, benefits access and public service eligibility.
There have been reports that a digital ID card, something heavily endorsed by Sir Tony Blair, is now being reconsidered within Government departments, particularly as part of efforts to combat illegal employment.
Restrictions on benefit access
Individuals granted asylum can currently claim Universal Credit, access the NHS, and apply for social housing on the same basis as British citizens. This is a long-standing element of refugee protection law.
Supporters of this approach argue that it would deter economic migrants from abusing the asylum system, particularly where housing or welfare entitlements are perceived as a draw.
Migrants walk into the sea to board a dinghy in May in Gravelines, France (Photo: Carl Court/Getty)
Labour is also under pressure from campaigners and France to introduce new safe and legal routes for asylum seekers with family already in the UK.
Campaigners have long argued that more generous pathways could reduce demand for people smuggling and Channel crossings.
France and Germany already operate more expansive family reunion schemes under EU law. In some cases, these include humanitarian visas or community sponsorship programmes that allow families to apply for entry directly from conflict zones.
Taking this option could risk encouraging small boat crossings, as people rush to reach the UK before new visa rules take effect.
Tighter enforcement on delivery platforms
However, there are concerns that their efforts to prevent riders from sharing accounts may not be practical enough to address the issue.
Under current rules, asylum seekers are not permitted to work unless their claim has been outstanding for more than 12 months and they are on the Government’s shortage occupation list.
The new checks will be rolled out in the next 90 days. Just Eat, which already uses facial recognition checks, will increase them from monthly to daily.
Some officials believe that this approach — combining enforcement with industry regulation — could serve as a visible deterrent without necessitating major policy overhauls.
Uber Eats and Deliveroo riders could be subject to stricter checks (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Crackdown on TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram
Short clips on TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat sometimes show small boats departing northern France or arriving on British beaches, sometimes accompanied by price lists or contact details for smugglers.
While the UK’s Online Safety Act allows ministers to compel the removal of certain harmful content, it does not currently classify small boat videos as a priority offence.
Extending the legislation to cover this material would likely raise legal and enforcement challenges. There is, however, no current clear indication that Labour plans to pursue this route.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Five radical moves Starmer can make to crack down on small boats )
Also on site :