Romanian fined £1000
for working illegally

In a story which first appeared in the Richmond and Twickenham Times, it was reported that a Romanian citizen has been fined for illegally working as a painter at a Hampton supermarket.

The £1,000 fine was imposed after the EU member was caught by Government officials in August. Officers from the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) carried out an "intelligence-led" operation on Sainsbury's, in Uxbridge Road, which is currently being refurbished, on August 13, and found the 25-year-old undertaking paid work.

People from Romania, which joined the European Union in January, are allowed to visit the UK without a visa, but are not permitted to work, unless they are highly skilled, self-employed or can work in a sector with skills shortages, such as food processing.

Tony Smith, the BIA's regional director for London and the south-east, said: "The Border and Immigration Agency is determined to put a stop to illegal working in the region.

"Our message to employers is simple - if you employ illegal workers you could be named and shamed and face criminal charges."

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to ensure they don't employ illegal workers can visit www.employingmigrantworkers.org.uk or call the Border and Immigration employers helpline on 0845 010 6677.

The BIA is stepping up their efforts in a bid to crack down on illegal working and now deports someone every eight minutes.

Last week London's China Town area was targeted by the BIA, as teams of officers swooped on several Chinese restaurants and arrested several illegal workers.

Interestingly the Chinese community took to the streets yesterday in protest against the BIA’s actions.

Employers risk a £5000 fine when they employ overseas people without the correct paperwork.

If you have been refused a visa or would like immigration advice and a free consultation please email me at: info@immigrationmatters.co.uk.

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