Adedokun Waliyu 
Tighter immigration rules appear to be on the horizon as Keir Starmer, UK prime minister, has promised tougher measures to address the growing number of illegal foreign workers in the country.
Since becoming prime minister last July, Starmer has initiated reforms to the UK’s immigration policies.
Analysts say his approach is “firm but fair” compared to Rishi Sunak, his predecessor, and Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party.
However, stricter immigration measures proposed by the Tories, and Reform UK, a political party gaining traction, have forced the prime minister to apply more pressure on his policies to retain his popularity.
“Too many people are able to come to the UK and work illegally. We are putting an end to it,” Starmer tweeted on Monday.
Starmer’s tweet came as the Home Office said it is launching a fresh wave of immigration raids for illegal working.
The UK agency also boasted that it had a record number of deportations, saying both illegal working visits and arrests since Labour came to power had soared by about 38 percent compared with the previous 12 months.
The government is reported to broadcast footage of deportations.
In November 2024, Starmer criticised the previous administration for its migration policies.
“They drove up immigration numbers; we will get them down,” he said.
