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Illegal workers caught

Damon Wilkinson
19/ 5/2008

A KEBAB shop owner faces a fine of up to £20,000 after being caught employing illegal immigrants.

Two Pakistanis were discovered working at the Kebana takeaway in Milkstone Road, Rochdale during a raid by officers from the UK Border Agency.

They were arrested on suspicion of having overstayed their visa and working illegally and taken to Rochdale police station for further questioning.

Moves are now underway to remove them from the country.

An on-the-spot fine was issued to the owner, which could rise to £10,000 per illegal worker.

About 15 officers from the agency took part in the raids on Thursday 8 May, following a tip-off.

They also visited the Thamin Indian restaurant in New Road, Dearnley, where they interviewed four members of staff who all proved to be working legally.

A spokeswoman for the UK Border Agency said: "The operation, acting on information received has helped to get the message across to local businesses and the public that we will not tolerate illegal working and will take action against those believed to be responsible.

"No-one was found to be working illegally at the Thamin restaurant, which helps to show that our message is getting across.

"The manager and staff were helpful and answered all our questions enabling us to leave the premises as quickly as possible, causing minimum disruption to customers."

Gill Mortlock, North West regional director for the UK Border Agency, said the raids were part of a clampdown on illegal working in the region.

She added: "We are determined to put a stop to illegal working in the North West. We have teams visiting businesses across the region to make sure they are not breaking the law."

Anyone who suspects illegal immigrants are working in Rochdale should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.