Reform UK Proposes Strict Measures Against Illegal Migrants Entering via Ireland

Reform UK announced plans Thursday for a significant crackdown on illegal migrants entering Britain from the Republic of Ireland, proposing substantial fines for transportation companies that ferry them across the border and an increase in immigration checks.

Danny Kruger, a senior Reform UK figure, is set to outline the proposed measures, which aim to prevent the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland from being exploited as a route for illegal immigration. Under the proposals, a Reform UK government led by Nigel Farage would impose fines of £10,000 for each illegal migrant found on public transport, such as buses and trains. The party intends for these fines to compel operators to assume greater responsibility for their passengers' documentation and legal status.

The revenue generated from these fines would be allocated towards funding the deportation of illegal migrants and bolstering border enforcement efforts. Additionally, Reform UK plans to implement more frequent "spot checks" at terminals served by cross-border coaches, including those in Belfast, Newry, Banbridge, and Sprucefield. A party source indicated that current checks are "grossly insufficient."

Reform UK maintains that these proposed measures are compatible with the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area, noting that the Republic of Ireland already conducts checkpoints and vehicle stops on north-south transit routes. Kruger is expected to state that the policy is "not a border check" but rather places the onus on operators to manage their passengers.

The announcement comes in the wake of an incident in June where a Sudanese migrant, who had arrived in the UK via Dublin and Northern Ireland, was charged with attempted murder. This event triggered riots in Belfast, leading both the Irish and British governments to commit to intensified cooperation on combating illegal migration.

"Illegal and unvetted dangerous criminals, who cross into Northern Ireland, are abusing the soft Irish border, using it as a backdoor route into the UK," Kruger is expected to say. He plans to call on the Irish government to increase efforts to "stem the flow" of migrants exploiting the border.

Home Office figures from August indicate that in the 2025-26 financial year, 1,284 suspected offenders were arrested by Immigration Enforcement, with 934 cases involving migrants circumventing the Common Travel Area. Of these, 465 individuals were subsequently returned under "Operation Gull."

In June, the Irish Department of Justice emphasized a shared responsibility between the Republic and Northern Ireland to maintain the security of the Common Travel Area and prevent its abuse.