Three workers have been arrested for UK visa offences after the UK Border Agency (UKBA) received intelligence on two businesses in Cheshire.
At the Indian Brasserie in Upton, checks were conducted to assess whether or not the staff had the right to work in the UK. Officers also made similar investigations at New York Nails in Ellesmere Port.
Two illegal workers were found at the Ellesmere Port company, both of whom were in the country illegally with no right to work. The illegal workers, who were from Vietnam, have been arrested while the UK immigration authorities process their removal from the country.
Meanwhile, a 22-year-old Bangladeshi man was found to be working at the Indian Brasserie while in the country on a student visa. By working in the restaurant, the individual breached his UK visa conditions.
Alison Wray, head of enforcement for the UKBA in the North West, commented on the case: "We will continue our hard work to track down those who have no permission to remain in the UK. As this operation shows those found to be here illegally will be caught and will face removal from the UK."
She added that the UKBA is targeting other "unscrupulous employers who hire illegal workers, undercutting wages and potentially exploiting vulnerable workers".
Businesses that genuinely require help conducting checks can receive assistance and advice from the UKBA. However, those that wilfully ignore regulations and hire illegal workers can expect to be issued with a civil penalty. This can then turn into a fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker unless the company is able to prove that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out prior to hiring the individual concerned.