ROGUE bosses who hire illegal migrants face fines of up to £60,000 from today.
The penalties for employers are more than tripling in the biggest hike for 10 years.
Illegal immigration minister Michael Tomlinson sent rogue bosses a warning[/caption]
Ministers hope the crackdown on bogus workers will help end the “pull factor” for small boat arrivals.
Landlords caught renting out their properties to illegal arrivals will also be stung with heftier fines.
Illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson said: “Rogue employers and landlords who willingly allow illegal migrants to work for them and rent their properties undermine our efforts.
“It’s an affront to honest, hard-working people who play by the rules.”
Fines for an employer’s first breach will ramp up from £15,000 to £45,000 from today, with repeated offences rising from £20,000 to £60,000.
Landlords will be handed £5,000 fines per lodger and £10,000 per occupier for a first breach – up from £80 and £1,000 – and repeated breaches will double that.
Since 2018 more than 6,000 fines have been given to rogue employers at a total £105million.
The harsher sanctions were announced last year but kicked in at midnight last night.
Mr Tomlinson said: “Illegal working enforcement visits ramped up by nearly 70 per cent last year.
“By robustly cracking down on those who facilitate these illegal practices, we are providing a vital deterrent against making dangerous and unnecessary journeys to the UK.
“Carrying out the appropriate checks is simple, straightforward and a legal requirement – there is no excuse and those who don’t will face these stringent penalties.”
