Eight arrested in UK Border Agency raids on Chinese restaurant

Eight illegal workers were arrested on last week in a raid by the Kent enforcement team of the UK Border Agency.

The immigration officers targeted the Café de China Chinese restaurant at about 5.30 in the afternoon following a tip-off.

After questioning staff and checking identity documents, officers arrested six Chinese men and two Chinese women.

The men and women were taken to a local police station for questioning and are now being held in immigration detention whilst officers work to remove them from the UK.

The owner of the business was issued with a ‘notice of potential liability’ in respect of the illegal workers and faces a maximum fine of up to £70,000 for the workers employed. To avoid a fine, the employer must now convince the UK Border Agency that they have carried out the correct right-to-work checks for employing a non EU worker.

The Government introduced civil penalties, which carry a lower burden of proof, for business owners who fail to carry out the proper checks when employing migrant workers on February 29 2008.

Assistant Director for Kent Local Immigration Team, Carla Johnson said,

‘This arrest shows our commitment to targeting those who employ illegal workers. It is a crime that not only undercuts local business but also has a serious impact on local communities; taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work. We will act on any information received and if appropriate visit the place concerned and make arrests. No matter what line of business you are in, you are not safe. We will not tolerate illegal working in Canterbury.’

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 the UK Border Agency employers’ helpline on 0845 010 6677.

Employers wishing to recruit overseas workers legally, and avoid a potential £10,000 fine, should register as sponsors under Tier 2 of the Points Based System, which replaced the Work Permit regime last November.

Immigration advisers like Bison UK provides a file audit or vetting service for employers unsure about whether or not their staff are legally employed. 

If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk

See also:

Employing illegal migrants could cost you £10,000 per worker   

New Government-approved shortage occupation lists for Tier 2 of the Points Based System