Bristol city centre restaurant faces fine

6 Sep 2010 03:51 PM

Four illegal immigrants have been arrested after they were found working at a Bristol city centre restaurant.

The enforcement operation was part of planned nationwide action by the UK Border Agency to tackle illegal working, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised immigration crime.

Acting on intelligence, officers went to Masa Japanese Restaurant, 42-46 Baldwin Street at lunchtime on Tuesday 31 August 2010.

After the immigration status of staff was checked, four people were found to have entered the UK illegally.

Two Chinese men aged 29 and 36 were found working as chefs, while a 29-year-old Malaysian woman and 32-year-old Malaysian man were serving customers.

The 2 Malaysian nationals, who are husband and wife, were arrested and taken to Southmead police station. They are being transferred to immigration detention and will be deported in the coming weeks.

The Chinese men were arrested and taken to Trinity Road police station for further questioning. They were later released on immigration bail and must report regularly to a police station while arrangements are made to deport them.

The restaurant closed to customers following the agency's visit.

Masa was handed a civil penalty notice for employing four illegal workers.

If the employers are unable to prove they carried out the correct pre-employment checks on their staff, a fine of up to £40,000 will be imposed.

Damian Green, the Immigration Minister, said:

'The Government has tasked the UK Border Agency with carrying out an intense period of enforcement activity over the summer. We are determined to make it harder than ever for illegal immigrants to come to the UK.

'Illegal immigration puts pressure on public services, local communities and legitimate businesses at a time when this country cannot afford it.

'That's why the UK Border Agency is working to cut out illegal employment, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised traffickers, being used by foreign nationals to try and stay in the UK illegally.'

Jane Farleigh, regional director, South West, UK Border Agency, added:

'The UK Border Agency supports and encourages businesses to comply with the UK's immigration laws and we are happy to work with employers to help them stay within the rules.

'Our enforcement visits are always based on information received and we appeal to the public to let us know when they have information about suspected immigration offenders.'

Employers who do not know what they must do to avoid employing illegal workers should read our Illegal working section, or they can call our helpline on 0300 123 4699.

If you suspect that illegal workers are being employed at a business, you can phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the Crimestoppers website.