Chinese man arrested at Ballymena restaurant for immigration offences

The enforcement operation was part of a nationwide summer campaign to tackle illegal working, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised immigration crime.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited The New Manley Chinese restaurant in Springwell Street, on Wednesday (July 28), questioning staff to ensure they had the right to work in the UK.

Of the seven employees who were on site at the time of the visit, one Chinese national was arrested for immigration offences.

He was detained in Antrim police station and will be removed from the UK as quickly as is possible, the UK Border Agency has said.

The restaurant was issued with a penalty notice which means they could now be fined up to 10,000 for employing the man, unless bosses can prove they carried out the correct right-to-work checks on their employees.

Damian Green, the Immigration Minister, said: “The Government has tasked the UK Border Agency with carrying out an intense period of enforcement activity over the summer.

“We are determined to create a hostile environment which makes it harder than ever for illegal immigrants to come to the UK and put down roots.

“Illegal immigration puts untold pressure on public services at a time when this country cannot afford to support people not entitled to it. That’s why the UK Border Agency is working day in, day out to cut out the routes – such as sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised traffickers – being used by foreign nationals to try and stay in the UK permanently.”

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers or they can call the UK Border Agency’s Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be assured.