Illegal workers face deportation after raid on Indian takeaway

Two illegal workers have been detained following a raid on an Indian takeaway in Glenrothes.

The men, from India, face deportation following the action by immigration officers at the town’s Spice of Life restaurant.

Bosses at the North Street business now face a fine of up to £40,000 after being served with a civil penalty referral notice.

The notice warns that a potential financial penalty of £20,000 per illegal worker arrested will be imposed unless the employer can demonstrate appropriate right-to-work document checks were carried out.

This would include seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.

One of the men arrested during the 4.30pm raid was a 31-year-old who had overstayed his student visa.

The other was 32 and had entered the UK illegally.

Both were transferred to immigration detention pending their removal from the UK.

Ian Tyldesley, assistant director with Immigration Enforcement Scotland, said: “We are happy to work with businesses to explain the simple pre-employment checks needed to establish a person’s right to work in the UK, but to those who choose to ignore the rules the message is clear – we will find you and you will face a heavy financial penalty.

“Illegal working is not victimless.

“It undercuts honest employers, cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities and defrauds the public purse.”

Those who suspect immigration abuse can contact gov.uk/report/immigrationcrime or call 0800 555 111.