Raids in Devon have uncovered 11 workers in breach of their UK visas at a number of businesses in the region.
On January 5th, officers from the UK Border Agency raided the Red Rose in Exeter. A number of people fled the premises, but they were eventually tracked down with assistance from the Devon and Cornwall Police helicopter.
Once all four men were identified they were taken for questioning at Exeter Police Station with regards to their UK immigration status.
Earlier in the day, officers identified two Chinese men working illegally in the kitchen of Silver King in Sidmouth. One had overstayed his UK visa, while the other had remained in the country illegally after his asylum case was rejected.
Further arrests were made at businesses in Tiverton and Paignton over the course of the week. This has left a significant number of employers facing fines of up to £10,000 for each worker they employ illegally.
To avoid such fines, employers are required to prove that the correct right-to-work checks are carried out before the individuals are employed.
Jane Farleigh, regional director for the South West at the UKBA, commented: “These are the latest in a series of operations we've carried out in Devon and we continue to have success targeting employers who use illegal workers.
“Illegal working has a serious impact on communities, undermining legitimate businesses and denying job opportunities to those who are genuinely allowed to work.”