UK Immigration News

11 June 2009

Four people have been arrested at businesses in Dorchester and Portland after the UK Border Agency carried out operations targeting illegal working.

On Wednesday, 10 June, officers from the Agency visited Lee Oriental Restaurant, 34 High West Street, Dorchester, entering at about 1400.

After the immigration status of staff was checked, a 33-year-old Malaysian man working in the kitchen and a 30-year-old Malaysian woman serving customers were both found to have overstayed their visas.

The pair were taken to Weymouth police station and remain in immigration detention ahead of their removal from the United Kingdom over the coming days.

Officers then travelled to Golden Island Chinese takeaway, 33 Straits, Portland, entering at 1745.

Two kitchen workers a 31-year-old Chinese man and 35-year-old Malaysian woman were found to be working illegally, arrested and taken to Weymouth police station.

The Malaysian woman a visa overstayer is in detention pending her removal from the United Kingdom.

The Chinese man a failed asylum seeker was released on immigration bail while emergency travel documents necessary for his removal are secured.

Both businesses visited by the UK Border Agency were issued with penalty notices for employing illegal workers and may now face fines of up to £10,000 per illegal worker.

To avoid the fines, the employers must prove to the UK Border Agency that they carried out the correct right-to-work checks (such as asking for a passport or work permit) before giving the workers jobs.

Jane Farleigh, Regional Director of the UK Border Agency in Wales and the South West, said:

'We are taking tough action against employers who knowingly hire illegal workers, often exploiting them and undercutting the minimum wage.

'As long as there are illegal jobs, the United Kingdom will be an attractive place for illegal immigrants. That's why we have to put a stop to rogue employers who don't play by the rules.'

To avoid the fine, the employers must prove to the UK Border Agency that they carried out the correct right-to-work checks (such as asking for a passport or work permit) before giving the men jobs.

Civil penalties for business owners who fail to carry out the proper checks when employing migrant workers from outside Europe were introduced by the Government in February 2008. If you are an employer and you are unsure of the steps you must take to avoid employing illegal workers, you can visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers or call our employers' helpline on 0845 010 6677.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Devon or Cornwall can contact the UK Border Agency on 01752 275 161.