Illegal migrants’ raid alert texts

ILLEGAL immigrants have set up warning systems using WhatsApp messages to avoid being caught, a report has revealed.

They send tip-offs through the encrypted service to warn about immigration raids and stay a step ahead of Home Office officials.

The tactic was disclosed in a report by academics at Oxford University’s Centre on Migration, Policy and Society. The document also exposed the huge industry in fake identity papers sold by criminal gangs.

And it found those in Britain without permission were avoiding working in certain industries known to be targeted by officials, such as construction or kebab shops.

Former Home Office chiefs have said there are more than a million illegal immigrants in the UK.

The report adds that previously raided addresses are also avoided, as are houses of other immigrants.

One Brazilian interviewed for the study said: ‘There is this industry of fake documents. It is amazing, you can get anything you want.’

The report warned curbs designed to tackle illegal immigration were failing to reduce numbers.

Lead researcher Dr Franck Duvell said: ‘If there’s labour market demand while labour migration restrictions are in place, irregular migration is an inevitable consequence.’

The Home Office said: ‘We are committed to an immigration policy which welcomes and celebrates people here legally but which tackles illegal immigration.’