Two people detained in Derry as part of illegal immigrant operation
In what was described as an intelligence led operation, Immigration Enforcement officers visited the China Garden takeaway at Foyle Street last Friday, August 18.
A spokesperson for the Home Office, which is responsible for immigration checks, said the visit took place at 6pm.
“Immigration checks identified a Chinese man and woman aged 36 and 41both of whom had entered the UK illegally.
“They are now in detention while steps are taken to remove them from the UK.”
The spokesperson said the owners of the local business was served a referral notice in relation to the illegal workers.
The spokesperson said: “The notice warns that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker arrested will be imposed unless the employers 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.”
Mike Golden, from Immigration Enforcement in Northern Ireland, said: "Those who use and exploit illegal workers face severe financial penalties.
"We are happy to work with businesses to ensure the right pre-employment checks are carried out, but those intent on operating outside the law will be found and will be punished.”