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Bank Street Mini Market in Ashford raided by immigration enforcement officers

15:45, 24 April 2019

updated: 15:48, 24 April 2019

A convenience store could face a fine of up to £20,000 after an Iraqi man was found working illegally.

Immigration enforcement officers visited the Bank Street Mini Market in Ashford town centre this morning.

Acting on a referral from police, they discovered the 27-year-old man was subject to an ongoing immigration case, but had no permission to work.

The Bank Street Mini Market in Ashford town centre
The Bank Street Mini Market in Ashford town centre

He was escorted from the premises and must report regularly to the Home Office while his case is dealt with.

The business was served with a civil penalty referral notice.

It warns that the owners now face a potential fine of up to £20,000 if they cannot prove that the correct right-to-work checks – such as asking for a passport or work permit – were carried out.

Two immigration enforcement vehicles were parked near Park Mall
Two immigration enforcement vehicles were parked near Park Mall
Immigration officials in Ashford this morning
Immigration officials in Ashford this morning

A number of immigration enforcement vehicles were parked near the Park Mall shopping centre at about 9am during the raid.

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