Immigration offenders arrested at Dover restaurant

Three illegal workers are facing removal from the UK after being arrested during a UK Border Agency raid in Dover.

Acting on information received officers went to Taste of India, London Road, on Saturday (17 November 2012).

Immigration checks were made on staff and three men from Bangladesh were found to be in the UK illegally having failed to leave the country after their visas had expired.

The three, aged 52, 33 and 23, were arrested and remain in immigration detention pending removal from the UK.

Taste of India has been handed a penalty notice for employing illegal workers. To avoid a fine of up to £30,000 the employers must provide evidence that the correct pre-employment checks were made on the men - such as seeing a passport or Home Office document.

Jackie Fowler, head of the agency's Local Immigration Team in Kent said: "The UK Border Agency is determined to stamp out abuse of the immigration system.

"We want the public to contact us if they have any information on businesses or people who are breaking immigration law.

"Employers who take on illegal workers are both fuelling illegal immigration and undercutting businesses which play by the rules."

Every year, the UK Border Agency imposes civil penalties on hundreds of companies which fail to carry out legally-required checks on their staff.

The UK Border Agency provides support to employers so they can understand the rules, including visits by staff, a dedicated telephone helpline and website.

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can call the UK Border Agency's Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Kent can contact intelkent@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or 01303 247070.