UKBA - Enforcement News Thread

Hairdressers arrested after Covent Garden raid

03 May 2013

Four Japanese hairdressers have been arrested following an immigration raid in Covent Garden.

Acting on intelligence, Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers visited Ticro Hair on Endell Street at around 12.15 on Thursday 2 May 2013, where they carried out immigration checks on staff working there.

Three men, aged between 26 and 31, and a 30-year-old woman were all found to have over-stayed their visas.

The illegal workers have all been detained pending their removal from the UK.

Bosses will have to provide proof to the Home Office that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out on the man or they will be fined up to £40,000 - £10,000 per worker - for employing them.

Assistant Director Steve Fisher, from the Home Office's North London immigration enforcement team, said:
'Our officers are out almost every day across London carrying out these kinds of operations, and where we find someone who is in the UK illegally we will seek to remove them.
'I also hope this operation sends out a message to businesses - you must carry out the correct checks on your staff or you could end up with a heavy fine.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our page on preventing illegal working, or call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

For more information and contact details for Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams visit our regional page for London and the South East.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/10-hairdressers

Four Arrested at York Restaurant

07 May 2013

Acting on intelligence, officers visited the Indian Lounge at Swinegate on Bank Holiday Monday 6 May with the assistance of officers from North Yorkshire Police.

Checks on the immigration status of staff revealed four men aged 33, 34, 36 and 40 from Bangladesh who had no right to work in the UK. They were arrested and have all been detained pending their removal from the country.

Two other men who did not have the right to work in the UK were also encountered at the restaurant. They were not arrested, but must now report to the Home Office.

The business was closed after the visit, as there were no staff left to run it ,and will be served with a civil penalty notice for employing the illegal workers. If the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally required pre employment checks were carried out on the men before giving the workers a job, a fine of up to £60,000 will be imposed.

Colin Flynn, from the Home Office's Humberside and North Yorkshire Immigration Enforcement Team, said:

"Illegal working has a serious impact on communities, undermining legitimate businesses and taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work. "We are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be done on staff. Those who choose to break the law should know that we are out there looking for them and they will face heavy fines.

"I would urge members of the public with detailed information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch."

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our Preventing illegal working pages, or they can call the agency's employers helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/14-arrest-york

Four Immigration Offenders Caught at Medway Businesses

07 May 2013

Four illegal workers have been caught following raids at businesses in Strood and Gillingham on Friday 3 May.

Acting on intelligence received Home Office immigration enforcement officers visited Wimpy, High Street, Strood. They checked the immigration status of the staff and found a 30-year-old man from Uzbekistan, who had not left the UK when his visa expired, working illegally. He was arrested and placed in immigration detention.

Officers also encountered a second man from Bulgaria who was working illegally. He was stopped from working and given a fixed penalty notice of £1000.

A second visit by officers to Twydall Tandoori, Twydall Green, Gillingham, revealed two Bangladeshi men working illegally. Checks showed one, aged 30, had not left the UK when his visa expired, the other, aged 24, was working in breach of his visa conditions.

Both were arrested, and along with the Uzbekistani man, remain in immigration detention while steps are taken by the Home Office to remove them from the UK.

Jackie Fowler, from the Home Office immigration enforcement team in Kent, said:

"We are 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."

Both businesses have been handed penalty notices for employing illegal workers. To avoid fines of up to £10,000 per employee evidence must be provided that the correct pre-employment checks were made on the men - such as seeing a passport or Home Office document.

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

The Home Office 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 visit our Preventing illegal working pages, or they can call the agency's employers helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone with information about immigration offenders can report crime on this website, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/15-worker-arrests

Five illegal workers arrested in Manchester

10 May 2013

Five Pakistani men have been have been arrested at a Manchester cash and carry following a Home Office immigration enforcement operation.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited Kaka Cash and Carry, Unit 22, Severnside Trading Estate, Textilose Road, Trafford Park in Manchester this morning (Thursday 9 May 2013).

Checks on the immigration status of staff revealed the 5 men, aged between 23 and 48, had overstayed their visas and did not have the right to work in the UK. They have all been arrested and are currently detained pending their removal from the country.

The business will be served with a civil penalty notice for employing the illegal workers. If the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally required pre employment checks were carried out, a fine of up to £50,000 will be imposed.

Assistant director Alison Wray, from the Home Office's North West immigration enforcement team, said:

'The message to employers who choose to use illegal labour is clear. We will catch you and ytu will face a heavy penalty.

Illegal working is not a victimless crime. It defrauds the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities.

We are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be made on staff, but those who break the law should know that they will face heavy fines.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our page on preventing illegal working or call the Home Office Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/25-5manchester

Ten arrested in Sussex immigration raids

10 May 2013

Ten immigration offenders have been arrested following raids in Sussex.

Acting on intelligence, Home Office immigration enforcement officers visited 3 businesses on Thursday 9 May 2013. Individuals were questioned to check if they had the right to be in the UK.

They arrested 3 Indian nationals working at Nisa Convenience Store, Hyde Square, Upper Beeding, which was visited at 13.35. Two men aged 28 were found to be working in breach of their visa conditions and a 24-year-old man had overstayed his visa. Officers also arrested a 23-year-old Indian woman on suspicion of immigration offences, although she was not encountered working.

Officers then visited Rajkumar, Springfield Road, Horsham, at about 18:15 where they arrested 6 male illegal workers. A 37-year-old Indian and four Bangladeshis aged between 43 and 56 were all found to have overstayed their visas. A 34-year-old Bangladeshi was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

Officers also visited K&A Enterprises, South Road, Haywards Heath, at about 11.40 where a 42-year-old Sri Lankan man was found to be working illegally. He was not arrested but dismissed from employment. He will now report to the Home Office.

The businesses were served notices warning that a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per illegal worker found will be imposed unless proof is provided that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out. This makes a potential total of £30,000 for Nisa, £60,000 for Rajkumar and £10,000 for K&A.

Carla Johnson, head of the Home Office immigration enforcement team in Sussex, said:

'These are impressive results and send out a clear message. Where we find people who are in the UK illegally we will seek to remove them.

'Illegal working has a serious impact on communities, undermining legitimate businesses and taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work.

'While we are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be done on staff, those who do break the law should know that we are out there looking for them and they will face heavy fines.

'I would urge members of the public with detailed information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our page on preventing illegal working, or call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

For more information and contact details for Home Office immigration enforcement teams see our page for London and the South East.

Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/23-10sussex

Five arrested in crackdown on illegal working in Slough

10 May 2013

Five people have been arrested following a Home Office Immigration Enforcement crackdown on illegal working in Slough.

Acting on intelligence, immigration officers, supported by Thames Valley Police, visited a series of businesses on Thursday 9 May 2013 where they carried out immigration checks on staff working there.

At around 12.30 they carried out simultaneous operations at the Exotic Karahi restaurant and Exotic Superstore on Farnham Road.

At the restaurant a 28-year-old Indian member of staff was arrested for overstaying his visa.

He was detained pending his removal from the UK, and bosses were warned they could now face a fine of up to £10,000 for employing the man unless they can prove to the Home Office that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out on their staff.

At the superstore no members of staff were arrested, but a 29-year-old man from Pakistan was detained for entering the UK illegally.

Officers then moved on to the Chalvey Supermarket on Alexandra Plaza.

There, 3 people were arrested, a 25-year-old man from Pakistan who had entered the UK illegally, and men from India (aged 44) and Pakistan (37) who had both over-stayed their visas.

All 3 were detained pending their removal from the UK.

A woman from Pakistan was also found to be working their illegally, however she wasn't arrested as she had an outstanding application with the Home Office.

The supermarket was warned it could face a fine of up to £40,000 - £10,000 per illegal worker.

Assistant Director Paul Smith, head of the Home Office Thames Valley immigration enforcement team, said:

'This is the latest in a series of operations that we have carried out in the Thames Valley and more are planned in the future. Where we find someone who is in the UK illegally we will seek to remove them.

'However, we are also targeting businesses who employ illegal workers and fuel illegal immigration to this country.

'We're happy to work with businesses and explain to them the checks that they are required to do on their staff, but those who chose to break the rules face heavy fines.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our page on preventing illegal working or call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

For more information and contact details see our page on Home Office immigration enforcement teams in the South East.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/29-slough

Man jailed for Belfast asylum fraud

10 May 2013

A London man who used a false identity to obtain money for asylum support and accommodation has been jailed for three months following an investigation by the Home Office.

Abdi Ali Farah, 34, fraudulently claimed almost £2000 from public funds and was caught when Home Office fingerprint checks revealed his true identity.

Farah, a naturalised British Citizen, is originally from Somalia and came to Belfast in February this year posing as a Somali national named Liba Dahir Warsame.
Farah applied for asylum under this name and claimed the money for support and accommodation saying that he was destitute.

It was later discovered that Farah had originally come to the UK in 2004 and also that he has a house in the Highbury area of north London where he has been claiming benefits, including Housing Benefit, since 2005.

Farah was arrested on 26 April 2013 at the flat that was provided for him in south Belfast and after admitting the fraud during an interview with Immigration Officers was charged with Dishonest Representation under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Farah was sentenced to three months at a hearing at Belfast Magistrates Court today (Friday 10 May).

Mike Golden, from the Home Office immigration enforcement team in Belfast, said:

'Our specialist crime teams of immigration officers are cracking down on all forms of immigration crime, whether this is identity theft, document fraud or sham marriages.'

Anyone with information about immigration crime in Northern Ireland can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/27-belfast-fraud

Eight immigration offenders arrested

10 May 2013

Eight people have been arrested by Home Office immigration enforcement officers targeting illegal working and other immigration offences.

On Thursday 9 May 2013 officers assisted by the PSNI visited two takeaways in Enniskillen to check the immigration status of those working there.

At the Hong Kong takeaway on Belmore Street they arrested 3 Chinese men aged 25, 34 and 47 along with a 34-year-old Chinese woman after it was discovered that they were working illegally.

On the same evening at the China City takeaway on Forthill Street, Enniskillen two Chinese men aged 27and 43 were also arrested for working illegally.

The businesses have each been served with a penalty notice for employing the illegal workers. To avoid fines of up to £10,000 per employee evidence must be provided that the correct pre-employment checks were made on the workers - such as seeing a passport or Home Office document.

Also on Thursday, enforcement officers, supported by the PSNI, arrested a 30-year-old Algerian man flying from Belfast International Airport to London and a 55-year-old Nigerian man flying from Belfast City Airport to Manchester after checking their immigration status and discovering that they were each in the country illegally.
All those arrested are being held in Home Office detention in Larne House, Larne while steps are taken to remove them to their home countries.

Mike Golden of the UK Border Agency, said:

'Foreign nationals who are in this country illegally should be in no doubt that they will be found, arrested and removed from the UK.

'We are determined to crack down on immigration offenders and anyone found living or working here illegally is liable to be detained and removed.'

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

The Home Office 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 visit our page on preventing illegal working, or call Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business or someone is living in the UK illegally can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/28-enniskillen

Arrest at suspected sham wedding in Blackpool

10 May 2013

A man from Pakistan has been arrested just moments before he was due to take part in a suspected "sham marriage" in Blackpool.

Acting on information that the relationship may not be genuine, Home Office immigration enforcement officers attended Blackpool Register Office, Festival House at midday on Thursday 9 May 2013.

Just before the ceremony was due to begin officers intervened and the 26-year-old man, who had been living at an address in Blackpool, was arrested on suspicion of being in the country illegally having overstayed his visa.

He had been due to marry a 22-year-old Latvian woman, who was interviewed by officers and later released. The 'groom' has been detained pending his removal from the UK.

The operation was carried out with the full co-operation of the Superintendent Registrar.

Assistant Director Alison Wray, from the Home Office's North West immigration enforcement team, said:

'We are working closely with registrars to clamp down on sham weddings and civil partnerships. This operation is another example of the success that we are having.

'Where there are suspicions that a relationship may not be genuine we will investigate and, if necessary, intervene to stop it happening.'

A sham marriage or civil partnership typically occurs when a non-European national marries someone from the European Economic Area as a means of attempting to gain long-term residency and the right to work and claim benefits in the UK.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/26-blackpool

Eight illegal workers arrested in Lancashire

10 May 2013

Eight men have been have been arrested in Lancashire following a series of Home Office Immigration Enforcement operations.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited BBQ Place, Deepdale Road and Charcoal Hut in New Hall Lane, Preston at about 21:00 on Thursday 9 May 2013.

Checks on the immigration status of staff at BBQ Place revealed that two Afghani men aged 26 and 28 had entered the country illegally. Both were subsequently arrested.

At Charcoal Hut a Pakistani man, aged 33, was also found working illegally and arrested.

Later that evening officers visited an address on Alton Street, Blackburn, and arrested five Indian men aged between 28 and 39 who had all over-stayed their visas.

Both BBQ Place and Charcoal Hut will be served with a civil penalty notices for employing the illegal workers. If the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally-required pre employment checks were carried out, a fine of up to £10,000 per worker will be imposed.

All eight men are all currently detained pending their removal from the country.

Assistant Director Alison Wray, from the Home Office's North West immigration enforcement team, said:

'The message to employers who choose to use illegal labour is clear. We will catch you and you will face a heavy penalty.

'Illegal working is not a victimless crime. It defrauds the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities.

'We are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be made on staff, but those who break the law should know that they will face heavy fines.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our page on preventing illegal working or call the Home Office Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/27-lancashire

Three illegal workers arrested in Runcorn

13 May 2013

Three men have been have been arrested in Runcorn following a series of our Home Office Immigration Enforcement operations.

Acting on intelligence, our officers visited Jackie Chens in Cawdor Street where they arrested a 43-year-old Chinese man on suspicion of immigration offences.

Our officers then went on to visit Ascot Stores in Ascot Road where they encountered a 48-year-old Indian man who was also arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

Our officers then visited RS News in Russell Road where they arrested a 50- year-old Indian man on suspicion of immigration offences.

None of the men arrested had the right to work in the UK and all 3 employers were served with fine notices. If the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally required pre employment checks were carried out, a fine of up to £10,000 for each worker will be issued.

The 3 men are all currently detained pending their removal from the country.

Alison Wray, assistant director, North West Immigration Enforcement team, Home Office said:

'The message to employers who choose to use illegal labour is clear. We will catch you and you will face a heavy penalty.

'Illegal working is not a victimless crime. It defrauds the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities.

'We are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be made on staff, but those who break the law should know that they will face heavy fines.'

The Home Office's North West Immigration Enforcement team worked alongside a number of other agencies as part of the operation - including Cheshire Police.

Chris Carney, Police's licensing enforcement officer for Halton, Cheshire said:

'We are continuing to work in partnership with other agencies across Halton - including colleagues at the North West Immigration Enforcement Team - to tackle any issues.

'Regular checks are carried out at premises in both Runcorn and Widnes to ensure that they are adhering to the conditions of their licence.

'We would urge local residents to support these efforts and to be vigilant and to report any issues or concerns in relation to licensed premises immediately.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our page on preventing illegal working or call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/30-illegal-runcorn

Fourteen immigration arrests in Welham Green

13 May 2013

Fourteen immigration offenders have been arrested following our Home Office Immigration Enforcement operation at a double glazing manufacturer and supplier in Welham Green, Herts.

Acting on intelligence, our officers visited Advanced Sealed Units Ltd at Travellers Lane on 9 May.

Checks on the immigration status of staff revealed 11 men aged between 25 and 56 and a 28-year old woman, all from India, who were working illegally. They were arrested and have all been detained pending their removal from the country.

The business has been issued with a fine for employing the illegal workers. If the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally required pre employment checks were carried out on the men, a fine of up to £120,000 will be given.

Our officers then carried out visits to two residential addresses in Welham Green where 2 more immigration offenders were encountered.

A 31-year-old visa overstayer from India was arrested at Oxlease Drive and taken into immigration detention. A 41-year-old Indian visa overstayer was arrested at Woods Close and released on immigration bail.

Jon Greenbank, Immigration Enforcement, Home Office said:

'Teams across the country carry out operations like this on a daily basis. There is no hiding place for offenders and we will seek to remove anyone who we find to be in the UK illegally.

'We are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be done on staff. Those who choose to break the law should know that we are out there looking for them and they will face heavy fines.

'I would urge members of the public with detailed information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our page on preventing illegal working or call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/33-welham-arrests

Immigration arrests in Newcastle

13 May 2013

Five immigration offenders have been arrested by our Home Office Immigration Enforcement team in Newcastle.

Acting on intelligence, our immigration officers raided 2 businesses in the city on 9 May.

Four arrests were made at Tenji Japanese Buffet in Barrack Road and 1 at Jashn Restaurant in Whickham Bank.

Our officers first visited Tenji Japanese Buffet in Barrack Road where they arrested 3 illegal workers - a 30-year-old visa overstayer from Sri Lanka; a 25-year-old visa overstayer from the Phillipines and a 26-year-old Sri Lankan who was working in breach of his visa conditions.

A 4th offender who was at the premises, but not working was also arrested. The 57-year-old man from Hong Kong had overstayed his visa.

At Jashn Restaurant in Whickham Bank, our officers arrested a Bangladeshi man, 20, who had overstayed his visa.

All 5 men were taken into immigration detention pending their removal from the UK.

The businesses face potential fines of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker. To avoid the fines, they must demonstrate that appropriate pre-employment checks, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document, were carried out.

Wallace Wilson, Immigration Enforcement, Home Office said:

'Operations like this are carried out across the UK every day. We are working hard to ensure that there is no hiding place for offenders. Where we find people who are in the country illegally, we will seek to remove them.

'We are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be done on staff, but businesses who do not play by the rules should know that they face heavy fines.

'I urge members of the public with information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.'

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/35-arrests-newcastle

Six illegal workers arrested in North London raids

13 May 2013

Six immigration offenders have been arrested following a series of our raids in Burnt Oak.

Acting on intelligence, and with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Service, our Home Office immigration enforcement officers visited 3 businesses on Watling Avenue at around on Thursday 9 May. Individuals were questioned to check if they had the right to be in the UK.

At Afro Cosmetics, we arrested 3 Pakistani men. A 26-year-old had overstayed his visa and 2 others aged 20 and 28 were working in breach of their visa conditions.

Our officers then visited Bambino's Kebab and Pizza Shop where they arrested a 20-year-old Afghan man who was a failed asylum seeker and Pakistani man, aged 24, who had overstayed his visa.

At the final address, Isabel's Hairdresser, we arrested a 48-year-old Jamaican woman who had overstayed her visa.

The Jamaican woman has been placed on immigration bail while steps are taken to remove her from the country. The others were transferred to immigration detention pending their removal from the UK.

The businesses were served notices warning the employers that a fine of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker found will be issued unless proof is provided that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out - a potential total of £30,000 for Afro Cosmetics, £20,000 for Bambino's Kebab and Pizza Shop and £10,000 for Isabel's Hairdresser.

Steve Fisher, head of the Immigration Enforcement team in North and Central London, Home Office said:

'These arrests show that we will not hesitate to take the strongest action possible against those who are in the country illegally. More visits like this are being planned and the message is clear. If you are found to have no right to be in the UK you will be removed.

'Illegal working has a serious impact on communities, undermining legitimate businesses and taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work.

'While we are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be done on staff, those who do break the law should know that we are out there looking for them and they will face heavy fines.

'I would urge members of the public with information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our page on preventing illegal working or call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

For more information and contact details see our page on Home Office immigration enforcement teams in the South East.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/36-northlondon-raids

Thirteen illegal workers arrested in Lambeth and Southwark‏

14 May 2013

Acting on intelligence, Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers carried out a series of raids on five businesses on Thursday 9 May. Individuals working there were questioned to check whether they had the right to be in the UK. At the Clapham North, Clapham Road (formerly the Bedford Arms), which was visited at 1.25pm, officers arrested two Nepalese men aged 24 and 38 for working in breach of their visa conditions.

Officers then moved on to the Brunswick Café, Wandsworth Road, at about 3.45pm where a Bolivian man aged 36 who had overstayed his visa was arrested.

Officers then went to Albaraka Halal Meat on Streatham High Road shortly before 4pm. There, two Algerian men, a 33-year-old who had overstayed his visa and a 28-year-old failed asylum seeker, were arrested.

Finally the team went to Clapham Newspoint, Clapham Common Southside, at 5.35pm. Two Pakistani men were arrested, a 41-year-old who had overstayed his visa and a 21-year-old working in breach of his visa conditions.

A team of immigration officers, with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Service, also visited Top Barbers on Peckham High Street at 5.40pm where six Nigerian men were arrested. Five aged between 25 and 41 had overstayed their visas while a 36-year-old had entered the country illegally.

Steps are now being taken to remove all those arrested from the country.

All businesses with the exception of Top Barbers were served notices warning the employers that a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per illegal worker found will be imposed unless proof is provided that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out.

Claire Shacklock, head of the Home Office Immigration Enforcement team in East London, said:

"We regularly carry out operations like this in London, and where we find people who are in the UK illegally we will seek to remove them.

"Illegal working has a serious impact on communities, undermining legitimate businesses and taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work. We will not hesitate to take the strongest action possible against those who are in the country illegally. More visits like this are being planned and the message is clear. If you are found to have no right to be in the UK you will be removed.

While we are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be done on staff, those who do break the law should know that we are out there looking for them and they will face heavy fines. I would urge members of the public with detailed information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch."

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our page on preventing illegal working or call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/43-illegal-lambeth

Ten arrested in south London immigration raids

14 May 2013

Ten immigration offenders have been arrested following a crackdown on illegal working in Croydon and South Norwood.

Acting on intelligence, ourimmigration enforcement officers visited three shops on London Road, Croydon, on Thursday 9 May 2013. Individuals were questioned to check if they had the right to be in the UK.

At Savemore Foods (also known as Savemore World of Frozen Food), which was visited at about 11:25 they arrested a 57-year-old Sri Lankan man who was a failed asylum seeker and a 56-year-old Pakistani man who had entered the country illegally. Both men tried to escape but were caught by enforcement officers.

The team then entered Croydon Halal Meat & Grocery at 12:35 and arrested a 21-year-old Afghan man. He was not an employee but found to be a failed asylum seeker.

A 23-year-old Afghan man who had entered the country illegally was arrested at the final location, Perfect Halal Meat, which was entered at 16:20pm. He also tried to escape but was caught.

Later that day officers visited CFC Butchers on London Road and Chicken Palace on Portland Place, South Norwood. At CFC they arrested three Pakistani men aged 23, 25 and 33 for overstaying their visas.

Three men were arrested at Chicken Palace. They included a 45-year-old Pakistani who had overstayed his visa, and an Iraqi, aged 25, and Afghan, aged 23, who had both entered the country illegally.

Steps are now being taken to remove all those arrested from the country.

All the businesses (apart from Croydon Halal Meat & Grocery) were served notices warning the employers that a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per illegal worker found will be imposed unless proof is provided that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out.

Jill Smith, head, immigration enforcement team, south London, said:

'These arrests show that we will not hesitate to take action against people who are in the UK illegally. The message is clear. We will find you and you will be removed from the country.

'Illegal working has a serious impact on communities, undermining legitimate businesses and taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work.

'While we are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be done on staff, those who do break the law should know that we are out there looking for them and they will face heavy fines.

'I would urge members of the public with information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/business-sponsors/preventing-illegal-working/ or they can call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

For more information and contact details for our immigration enforcement teams in the London and South visit: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/your-region/lse-ice/

Anyone with information about immigration offenders can report crime on this website, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/72-arrest-raids

Seventeen illegal workers arrested in Oban raids

12 May 2013

Seventeen immigration offenders have been caught following our Immigration Enforcement operations in Oban.

On 9 May, our officers visited a number of licensed premises in Oban, working with officers from Police Scotland.

Checks on the immigration status of staff revealed 17 men had no right to work in the UK. They were all arrested with 16 being detained pending their removal from the country while one has been released awaiting further enquiries into his immigration status.

The premises visited during the operation were:
Taj Mahal, on George Street, where 5 Bangladeshi men aged between 22 and 36 were arrested.
Kebabish on George Street, where a 32-year-old Pakistani man was arrested.
Crystal Palace, on George Street, where 2 Chinese men aged 43 and 45 were arrested and detained while a 3rd Chinese man was arrested but later released pending further enquiries.
Light of India, on Stevenson Street, where 5 Bangladeshi men aged between 26 and 64 were arrested.
Coriander, on Soroba Road, where 3 Bangladeshi men aged between 31 and 39 were arrested.

The businesses will be served with fines for employing the illegal workers. If the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally required pre- employment checks were carried out on the workers before giving them a job, a fine of up to £10,000 for each illegal employee will be given.

Adam Scarcliffe, assistant director, Scotland Immigration Enforcement team, Home Office said:

'The message for anyone living and working in Scotland illegally is clear - it doesn't matter where you are, we will track you down and remove you from the country.

'We're undertaking operations like this throughout the country on a regular basis, and more are planned. We're happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be made on staff, but those who break the law should know that they will face heavy fines.

'I would urge members of the public with detailed information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit our page on preventing illegal working or call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone with information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit the Crimestoppers website.

Source:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/may/39-arrests-oban

And I do so like an Indian meal.....