UK Government Targets Food Delivery Riders Without Proper Work Permits
Kenyan workers in the United Kingdom who are working as food delivery riders could soon face job losses after the UK government announced a tough crackdown on undocumented workers.
On July 23, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the country is stepping up efforts to remove migrants working without legal permission—especially in the food delivery sector.
Speaking during a press briefing, Starmer emphasized that the initiative aims to stop asylum seekers and other undocumented immigrants from taking up jobs illegally.
He said the government is working closely with top delivery companies like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats to identify and remove riders who do not have the required work permits or visas.
“We’re getting serious about stopping illegal work. That’s why we’ll now begin sharing details of asylum accommodation with delivery platforms so they can take immediate action if any of their riders are staying there,” Starmer explained.
“We’re determined to protect British workers by ensuring everyone in the job market is competing fairly.”
Increased Surveillance and Tougher Rules
As part of this wider immigration crackdown, UK traffic police and enforcement officers have also been spotted conducting surprise inspections on highways, reportedly targeting suspected illegal riders. These inspections are part of a larger campaign to clean up the employment sector and tighten immigration loopholes.
In the past few months, the UK has already begun introducing stricter policies affecting foreign nationals who wish to work or stay in the country. Among the most impactful changes is the proposed rollout of digital IDs and eVisas, which will help authorities easily track the status of non-citizens.
Additionally, the government plans to raise the English language requirements across all major immigration pathways. This means anyone wishing to live and work in the UK will need to demonstrate a higher level of English fluency.
Foreign Workers Face More Hurdles
To discourage overdependence on foreign labor, the UK government also intends to increase the immigration skills charge—a mandatory fee paid by employers who hire workers from abroad. The move is meant to encourage companies to prioritize hiring UK citizens over foreign applicants.
Starmer also revealed that asylum seekers and other categories of migrants will face tighter visa restrictions, as laid out in the newly released immigration white paper.
The document outlines a long-term vision to reshape the UK’s immigration system to attract only highly skilled individuals who can make strong contributions to the economy.
“These new immigration measures will ensure that our job market rewards those who bring real value and high-level skills. We are restructuring our immigration rules so they work in favor of the British people,” he concluded.
As these policies roll out, Kenyan nationals working in the UK without the right documentation—especially those in gig jobs like food delivery—may find themselves at high risk of losing their employment or facing deportation.
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