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Belfast takeaway facing £40,000 fine
17 October 2012
A Belfast takeaway is facing a fine of up to £40,000 after being found employing illegal workers.
Acting on intelligence, our officers targeted the New Century Takeaway on Belmont Road, Belfast on the 15 October to question staff and ensure they had the right to work in the UK.
After the immigration status of staff was checked, a 39-year-old Chinese woman and 3 Chinese men aged between 20 and 37 were discovered to be working illegally.
The woman and 1 man were found to have over-stayed their visas and the other 2 men were both working without permission.
All 4 who were living in accommodation above the business have now been placed in detention in Larne House while steps are taken to remove them from the UK.
The business has been issued with a fine notice for employing the illegal workers. If the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally required checks were carried out before giving them a job - such as asking for a passport or a Home Office document - they may be liable for a fine of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker.
Janet Wiseman, 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.
'Companies that think they can undercut competitors by employing illegal workers should be warned that they will face heavy fines and possible prosecution.
'We are sending a simple, clear message to people who are in the country illegally - more raids are planned and you will be caught.'
Every year, the UK Border Agency imposes fines on thousands of companies which failed to carry out legally-required checks on their staff.
Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit the Preventing illegal working section, or they can call the UK Border Agency's Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.
Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or complete the Report immigration crime form.