British firms could be fined for employing illegal immigrants under new plans to revamp controls on people entering the country. In the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Bill, published on Wednesday, are proposals to fine employers up to 2,000 pounds ($3,662) for each illegal worker they employ, and an intention to fingerprint each visa applicant within 3 years.
"We will ensure migration is managed to meet the UK's economic needs, while being robust against abuse," Immigration Minister Tony McNulty said in a statement.
"The new civil penalties scheme will help to ensure those people who benefit from the contribution migrant workers make also share responsibility for making our immigration system work effectively," he added.