Three illegal workers are facing deportation after being arrested during Border Agency raids in Dartford.

Agency officers went to two restaurants in Lowfield Street, last Thursday (November 15).

Immigration checks were made on staff at Indian restaurant Radhuny and two men were found to be working illegally.

A 24-year-old from Bangladesh was working in breach of his visa conditions.

The other, aged 18 from Afghanistan, was in the UK illegally having failed to leave the country after his visa had expired.

Officers then visited Thai restaurant Royal Siam where a 43-year-old man from Thailand was identified as not having left the UK when his visa expired.

All three were arrested and remain in immigration detention pending their removal from the UK.

Radhuny and Royal Siam have both been handed penalty notices for employing illegal workers.

To avoid a fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker the employers must provide evidence that the correct pre-employment checks were made on the men – such as seeing a passport or Home Office document.

Jackie Fowler, head of the agency’s Local Immigration Team in Kent said: “We want the public to contact us if they have any information on businesses or people who are breaking immigration law.

“Employers who take on illegal workers are both fuelling illegal immigration and undercutting businesses which play by the rules.”

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed can contact intelkent@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or call 01303 247070.