Two ‘illegal workers’ found at Cookstown restaurant have been deported

In two separate raids at Bengal Spice, in Cookstown and Dungannon, four men, ranging in age from 22 to 33 were found “with no permission to work”.

But manager, Mr Alim told the Mail they were not employed with him, but “just came for a visit”.

A Home Office spokesman, has since said: “Of the three men found working illegally [in Bengal Spice Cookstown], a 33-year-old Burmese man and a 29-year-old Bangladeshi man have been removed from the country.”

Whilst “another 22-year-old Bangladeshi man remains in Home Office detention while steps are taken to remove him also.

“The case of a 30-year-old Bangladeshi man who was found working [in Dungannon] without permission is still being progressed.

When asked about the repercussions of this find for the restaurants, the Home Office advised: “The businesses were served with notices warning that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker found will be imposed unless the employer can demonstrate that appropriate right to work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document. “If proof is not provided, this is a potential total of up to £20,000 for Bengal Spice Thomas Street Dungannon, and £60,000 for Bengal Spice, Burn Road Cookstown.”

Mr Alim told the Mail he would be seeking legal advice.