UK Home Office Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants – Lawyer Wisdom Akaho Explains
Lawyer Wisdom Akaho, a Ghanaian lawyer based in the UK, has provided insights into the recent immigration enforcement measures by the UK Home Office.
According to Akaho, the UK Home Office has intensified efforts to arrest illegal immigrants by conducting raids in schools, workplaces, and residential areas.
He suggests that this move appears to be influenced by policies implemented in other countries.
He further explained that authorities believe that if immigration laws are relaxed, there would be an influx of undocumented migrants. As a result, the Home Office is taking strict measures to curb illegal stay in the UK.
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A significant focus of these enforcement actions has been on individuals who entered the UK under the Health and Care Worker visa scheme but are not employed by their sponsoring companies.
Many of these individuals, unable to find jobs in the healthcare sector, have sought alternative employment, prompting the Home Office to revoke their visas.
Lawyer Akaho stated that it is often the employers themselves who report to the Home Office that certain individuals are no longer working for them.
This helps the companies avoid penalties and prevents raids on their premises. Consequently, immigration officers have started targeting homes for arrests.
He warned that some individuals unknowingly expose themselves to arrest by allowing informants to provide their details to the Home Office.
In some cases, officers strategically position their vehicles near residences, waiting for someone to open the door before entering to make arrests.
In a discussion on SVTV Africa with DJ Nyaami, lawyer Akaho advised individuals to be cautious. He warned that if an unexpected visitor knocks on the door, it is best not to open it without confirming their identity.
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Additionally, he noted that partners who arrive in the UK under the Health and Care visa scheme but live in separate locations could raise suspicion and trigger immigration raids.
If detained, individuals are taken to police stations and detention centers, where they may be pressured to provide information that could lead to their deportation.
Lawyer Akaho recounted an incident where a woman, after being detained, was told to tell the truth in exchange for her release. She complied, and authorities used her statements as evidence to deport her. He urged individuals in similar situations to be mindful of what they say, as their words can be used against them.
He also advised that married couples or partners should ensure they share a common matrimonial address to avoid raising red flags with immigration officers.
If a couple divorces and one partner applies to switch visas while the other remains undocumented, authorities may use previous address records to track and arrest the undocumented individual.
Lawyer Akaho further revealed that employers, fearing fines of up to £40,000, often cooperate with immigration authorities by providing information about employees who no longer work for them.
He added that the National Insurance (NI) number on individuals’ cards allows authorities to trace their employment and residence history. Immigration officers can also conduct checks at government institutions, tax offices, GP clinics, and other locations to verify visa compliance.
He cautioned students who are not attending their designated schools to regularize their visa status, as failure to do so could result in arrest.
Additionally, Nana Adjei, another source, reported that authorities recently arrested four people at his workplace. Employers now require a share code to verify a worker’s legal status, and without it, individuals cannot be employed.
Akaho advised individuals to remain vigilant, as immigration officers may conduct surprise visits at homes, workplaces, and public transportation systems, including trains, buses, and trams. He warned against using public transport without a valid ticket or pass, as immigration officers may use such offenses as an opportunity to verify one’s immigration status.
His final advice: Stay cautious, know your rights, and be prepared.
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