Leaked report reveals over 60,000 illegal migrants in the UK
More than 60,000 migrants currently residing in the United Kingdom lack the legal right to remain, according to a leaked government report. This unpublished document, obtained by The Sun, outlines the extensive scale of visa overstayers, reports BritPanorama.
The report indicates that as of last July, Immigration Enforcement identified 62,675 individuals as potential overstayers, people who are suspected of having remained in the UK after their visas expired. These individuals are all part of the active caseload of Immigration Enforcement, meaning the Home Office had made some contact with them within the past two years.
However, inspectors cautioned that the true number of overstayers might be higher, as the Home Office does not maintain comprehensive official statistics. Officials rely instead on internal databases and estimates to discern whether individuals without permission are still present in the UK.
The report has further highlighted a backlog involving 89,000 work visa cancellation cases, with some cases reportedly taking up to seven months for processing. The findings stem from an investigation conducted by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration that evaluated the system from March to October 2025.
Officials noted that migrants who have lived in the UK for extended periods may become more difficult to deport, potentially invoking Article 8 human rights claims to challenge their removal. In response to the growing immigration concerns, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to unveil a new Immigration and Asylum Bill within days, alongside a commitment to increase Immigration Enforcement funding to £1.3 billion by 2028-29.
This leaked report raises significant questions about the effectiveness of the current immigration system and the ongoing challenges faced in managing illegal immigration in the UK.
The complexities involved in addressing immigration issues necessitate a balanced approach, integrating enforcement with humane treatment of individuals. The forthcoming legislative measures will be closely scrutinized, as they may determine the future direction of the UK’s immigration policy.
