Immigration staff arrest illegal worker

Acting on intelligence, Immigration Enforcement officers visited Uzair’s takeaway in Merry Street at about 4pm, where staff were questioned to check they had the right to live and work in the UK.

A 24-year-old man was arrested for overstaying his student visa. He was detained while steps are taken to remove him from the UK.

The business was served a notice warning that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 will be imposed unless they can demonstrate that appropriate right to work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.

Ian Tyldesley, assistant director for Immigration Enforcement in Scotland, said: “This is a clear warning to those in Scotland abusing our immigration laws that, wherever you are in the country, our dedicated and well-resourced teams will find you.

“Using illegal labour is not victimless crime; it cheats the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and means legitimate job seekers are denied employment opportunities. It also exploits some of society’s most vulnerable people.

“We are happy to work with employers who want to adhere to the rules, but those who flout them will face heavy financial penalties.”

Information to help employers prevent illegal working can be found on the Government website.

For more information on reporting suspected immigration abuse go online or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.