Licence cancellations of migrant work visas double

According to the latest estimates, almost a dozen licences allowing businesses to employ migrant workers were withdrawn last year compared with the previous twelve months. Managers were barred from using the visa system after being found guilty of underpaying and exploiting employees, as well as misusing the work visa process to help migrants navigate rules on entering or remaining in the country, the Home Office confirmed. The government, under increasing pressure over immigration, said the figures showed that genuine action was being taken to protect Britain’s borders. However, the Conservatives argued that ministers were only tinkering at the edges of the issue and showed little concern about reducing the overall number of arrivals.

More than twice as many as the 937 licences were revoked in the year to June 2025, the government said, with the worst offenders found in adult social care, hospitality, retail and construction. Licences were suspended for breaches such as failing to provide promised jobs, underpayment, and assisting migrants in evading visa restrictions. Some employers were even reported to have used visas as a tool to intimidate employees unable to remain in the country.

“A significant number of asylum claims and illegal migrants are actually visa overstayers,” Migration Minister Mike Tapp told BBC Breakfast. He added: “Those manipulating the system are dishonest, and people are being admitted when they should not be.” Labour’s policy, according to Mr Leo Varadkar, was intended to ensure that British workers are given priority and opportunities. The Home Office said better data and intelligence sharing between the government and police could have led to more employers being caught breaking the rules. Previously, random spot checks were used. Officials stressed that the bans were part of a broader package of measures to tackle record-high migration and to increase penalties, including shutting down businesses and issuing financial fines.

However, some businesses argued that they relied heavily on migrant workers, warning that the clampdown not only threatened their operations but also placed immigrants themselves at risk. Immigration levels remain at historic highs, asylum approvals at historic lows, and many construction companies depend on foreign labour because, critics claim, Labour has failed to train British workers or reform welfare to get people back into jobs.

Meanwhile, Alp Mehmet, chairman of the think tank Migration Watch UK, noted that although the number of revoked licences had risen compared with the previous year, it should be remembered that around 50,000 companies are authorised to employ migrant workers. He argued that applicants for higher-skilled visas should generally be required to hold degree-level qualifications, and that employers must always look locally before recruiting from overseas.

The announcement was the first made under the new Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, who recently left the Ministry of Justice after last week’s reshuffle. However, the decline in licences predates her appointment. On Monday, she suggested that the UK could suspend visas from countries that fail to “play ball” and cooperate with the return of migrants who have no right to remain in Britain.