Cardiff clampdown on illegal workers leads to three arrests
Home Office Enforcement Officers highlight vital role in cutting out immigration route abuse.
Illegal workers arrested
Immigration Minister Mark Harper witnessed first hand the work being done to stop illegal workers – and the companies that employ them – in a series of enforcement raids in Cardiff.
Home Office Immigration Enforcement Officers targeted a total of six businesses suspected of hiring illegal workers, leading to three arrests.
Immigration Minister, Mark Harper said:
Enforcement operations like these send out a clear message to those that choose to abuse our immigration system. Hiring illegal workers has a serious impact on communities, undermining legitimate businesses and taking jobs from those genuinely able to work.
The government has already made significant changes to the immigration system, which has seen immigration drop to its lowest level for more than a decade. Our new Immigration Bill will give our enforcement officers further tools to crack down on abuse, including doubling fines for employers who use illegal labour.
Illegal workers
A Pakistani man was arrested at Splott Fish Bar, Splott, for a suspected breach of his student visa and two Chinese nationals were arrested at Red Hot China, Llanharan, for suspected overstaying.
Both businesses were served with 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 operation is just one of many taking place across the UK on a weekly basis to target the organisers, perpetrators and beneficiaries of immigration crime.
Immigration abuse
Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can find out more information online or they can call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.
Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.