The government has revoked a record number of visa sponsor licences, taking tough action against employers found abusing the immigration system.

Between July 2024 and June 2025, almost 2,000 licences were stripped away—more than double the 937 revoked in the previous year. By comparison, just a few hundred were revoked in 2021–22 and 2022–23, showing how dramatically enforcement has stepped up.

Officials say some employers were using the visa system to bend immigration rules, while also exploiting migrant workers—underpaying them and keeping them in vulnerable situations because their right to stay in the UK depended on their job.

The worst-affected industries include adult social care, hospitality, retail, and construction.

With the pace of enforcement rising, the government expects to break this record again next year. Alongside revoking licences, rogue employers now face financial penalties, potential business closure orders, and even prosecution.

This comes on top of other recent measures, such as restricting visas for countries that refuse to take back migrants with no right to remain in the UK. Ministers say these steps are part of a broader “Plan for Change” to bring down migration numbers and strengthen border security.

The government also reported:

- 51% more arrests for illegal working compared to last year.

- 35,000 removals of people with no legal right to stay—a 13% rise on the year before.

- Record levels of enforcement against criminal gangs helping migrants enter the UK illegally.

Migration and Citizenship Minister Mike Tapp MP said: “Those who abuse our immigration system must face the strongest possible consequences.    

We will not hesitate to ban companies from sponsoring workers from overseas where this is being done to undercut British workers and exploit vulnerable staff.

My message to unscrupulous employers is clear: these shameful practices will not be tolerated”.

Officials credit improved data-sharing and a new intelligence-led approach—less reliant on physical visits—for the sharp rise in enforcement.

Companies have lost their sponsor licences for a range of violations, including:

- Underpaying staff.

 - Helping individuals enter the UK outside of immigration rules.

  - Failing to deliver the jobs they promised to workers. Photo by Steve Cadman, Wikimedia commons.