by Lynn Cox

Four men have been caught working illegally at a Medway Indian restaurant after a raid by officers from the UK Border Agency.

They were found working illegally at the Taj Cuisine, in Walderslade Road, Chatham, last Saturday, February 23.

Three of the four, who are all from Bangladesh, have now been detained pending their removal from the UK.

Acting on intelligence received, officers visited the eatery to check on staff working there and found two of the men aged 31 and 41 had entered the country illegally, while a 30-year-old was working in breach of his visa conditions.

Three were arrested at the scene and the fourth man, who was also working illegally, was escorted from the premises and must report regularly to the UK Border Agency while his immigration case is considered.

If he is found to have no right to remain in the UK he will also be removed.

Jackie Fowler, head of the agency’s Immigration Compliance and Engagement Team in Kent, said: “The UK Border Agency is determined to stamp out abuse of the immigration system.

“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.”

The restaurant faces a potential fine of up to £40,000 unless it can prove the appropriate pre-employment checks were carried out on the men, such as seeing a passport or a Home Office document.

If you suspect illegal workers are being employed at a business in Kent, contactintelkent@homeoffice.gsi.gov.ukor 01303 247070.