The bans come as part of a government crackdown on immigration system abuse, targeting companies that misused work visas to bypass rules and exploit migrant staff.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, 1,948 sponsorship licences were revoked—more than double the 937 revoked in the previous year.
Mike Tapp MP, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, 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.”
The government said many of the revoked employers were underpaying migrant workers, with those affected relying on sponsorship for their right to remain in the UK.
The sectors with the highest levels of abuse included adult social care, hospitality, retail, and construction.
The rise in enforcement follows just 261 revocations in 2021–22 and 247 in 2022–23.
The crackdown is part of broader efforts to reduce migration and strengthen border controls.
It includes expanded sanctions against non-compliant employers, such as financial penalties, business closure orders, and possible prosecution.
Improved data sharing between government and law enforcement has contributed to the surge in licence revocations.
The government said its new approach, which previously relied heavily on physical compliance visits, has led to greater enforcement.
Removals of individuals with no right to remain in the UK have also increased, with 35,000 people removed—13 per cent more than in the previous 12 months.
Enforcement activity by the National Crime Agency targeting organised crime groups is also at its highest recorded level.
The government has linked the rise in employer sanctions and removals to ongoing efforts to reduce illegal migration and disrupt criminal networks.
