Illegal workers arrested in Leicester immigration raid
Checks revealed the ten, all Indian nationals, had no permission to work in the UK. All were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
llegal workers arrested
Ten illegal workers were arrested after a UK Border Agency raid on a factory in Leicester.
Acting on intelligence around 60 officers and Leicestershire Police raided Colours Dyers in Greenhithe Road on Thursday (21 March) morning.
Checks revealed the 10, all Indian nationals, had no permission to work in the UK. All were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.
Illegal workers
Where appropriate, steps will be taken to remove them from the UK.
Colours Dyers now faces a potential fine of up to £100,000 for employing the illegal workers (£10,000 for each illegal worker found). To avoid the fine, it must provide evidence demonstrating that the required pre-employment checks were carried out.
UK Border Agency officer Teresa Gregory said:
I want this operation to send a clear message that, whatever the size of the business, when we have information to suggest someone is employing illegal workers we will take action.
Offender should know there is no hiding place and where we find people who are in the UK illegally we will seek to remove them. Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse should get in touch.
We are happy to work with businesses and advise what checks need to be carried out. However, those who choose to break the law should expect a visit and to pay a heavy penalty.
Fines
Every year, the UK Border Agency imposes civil penalties on hundreds of companies which fail to carry out legally-required checks on their staff.
The agency provides support to employers so they can understand the rules including visits by staff, a dedicated telephone helpline and website.
Anyone who has information on suspected immigration offenders can contact UK Border Agency online or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.