A quiet Gower site, an unexpected raid
Seven Chinese nationals were arrested at the site on 14 October, according to figures released by the UK government this week.
The visit formed part of Operation Sterling, a year-long enforcement campaign targeting sectors such as construction, takeaways, beauty salons, and delivery services.
Arrests surge as enforcement ramps up
The Home Office said more than 8,000 illegal migrants were arrested between October 2024 and September 2025, following 11,000 enforcement visits across the UK. In Wales, there were 590 arrests and over 1,100 site visits, marking a near doubling of activity compared to the previous year.
Civil Penalty Referral Notices were issued to the Gower site, meaning the company could face fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker if found liable.
Government targets gig economy loophole
The crackdown coincides with new legislation expanding right to work checks to include gig economy platforms and subcontracted workers.
Previously, only employers with formal contracts were required to verify immigration status. The Home Office said the changes would close a loophole and make it harder for illegal workers to find employment in casual or temporary roles.
Under the new rules, employers who fail to carry out checks could face up to five years in prison, alongside financial penalties and potential business closure.
Digital ID system on the horizon
The government also announced plans to introduce a mandatory digital ID system by the end of the current Parliament. The system would be used to verify a person’s right to work and is intended to reduce the use of forged documents.
The Home Office said the digital checks would help identify rogue employers and make enforcement more consistent across sectors.
Local businesses urged to prepare
The Gower arrests were part of a broader enforcement effort in Wales. Immigration officers also visited Star Barbers in Porthmadog, where three people were arrested, and warehouses in Caldicot, where eight arrests were made.
The measures form part of the government’s wider strategy to reduce incentives for illegal migration, including efforts to disrupt smuggling gangs and deter small boat crossings.
A six-week consultation on the new right to work rules is now open, with workshops planned for businesses and industry groups.
