The UK government is set to hold discussions with leading food delivery platforms next week following reports that some asylum seekers are engaging in unauthorized work as delivery couriers shortly after arriving in the country. According to recent media investigations, individuals staying in government-funded asylum accommodations have been earning substantial weekly incomes by using rented accounts on major delivery apps. While asylum seekers are legally prohibited from working for the first year of their stay or until their application is approved, concerns have arisen over potential exploitation and platform misuse. In response, authorities and delivery companies have reiterated their commitment to enforcing strict verification processes to ensure compliance with employment laws.
Recent disclosures suggest that migrants in state-provided housing have been able to access delivery platforms by renting out verified accounts through online forums. These findings prompted political backlash, with critics accusing the current administration of failing to curb illegal labor within these facilities. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp cited firsthand observations of such activities during a visit to an asylum accommodation site, highlighting the contradiction between official rhetoric and on-ground realities. The controversy has intensified scrutiny over how effectively the system monitors and prevents unauthorized economic participation by those awaiting asylum decisions.
Several delivery firms have responded with assurances that they maintain stringent protocols to prevent unauthorized work. Just Eat has implemented new systems requiring riders to report any substitute workers, who must then undergo legal right-to-work checks. Deliveroo emphasized its zero-tolerance stance toward account misuse and confirmed the presence of a dedicated team tasked with verifying rider eligibility. Uber Eats also noted ongoing collaboration with immigration authorities to detect and remove fraudulent accounts from its network. Despite these efforts, gaps appear to persist, particularly regarding the ease with which individuals can bypass identification measures through shared credentials or identity misrepresentation.
Amid growing concerns over illegal labor practices, broader systemic challenges remain in managing the UK’s asylum infrastructure. The independent inspector of borders and immigration recently cast doubt on the feasibility of eliminating asylum hotels before the next general election, citing increased appeal cases and a shortage of available housing. He also questioned the effectiveness of focusing solely on dismantling smuggling networks without addressing underlying incentives that attract migrants to the UK, including perceived opportunities in the informal job market. His remarks underscore the complexity of aligning enforcement strategies with long-term migration policy goals.
As pressure mounts on both governmental and private entities to tighten oversight, the situation highlights the intersection between immigration control and digital platform regulation. With upcoming meetings between officials and food delivery operators, there is a renewed push to close loopholes that allow unauthorized employment to occur under the guise of legitimate gig economy activity. At the same time, structural issues related to housing, processing backlogs, and labor enforcement continue to pose significant hurdles in shaping a sustainable asylum system.