UK Arrests 171 Delivery Riders for Illegal Work

British immigration authorities have arrested 171 delivery riders across the United Kingdom for working illegally, with 60 of them now detained pending deportation to their countries of origin. The nationwide operation, conducted over seven days in November, targeted workers in the gig economy and included checks in cities, towns and villages from London to Norwich.

The Home Office's Immigration Enforcement teams carried out Operation Equalise, stopping riders to verify their documents. Those without proper authorization were arrested immediately. Among the detainees were individuals from India, Bangladesh and China. In east London's Newham, four riders of Bangladeshi and Indian nationality were apprehended on November 17 during checks on the High Street. Eight days later, in Norwich city center, three Indian nationals were arrested, with two held for removal and the third placed on immigration bail. In Solihull, West Midlands, two Chinese nationals were detained after officers raided a restaurant. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood joined enforcement teams in Streatham, south London, underscoring the government's commitment to the initiative.

The crackdown forms part of broader...