Two men have been caught working illegally at a fish and chip shop in Strood.

Acting on intelligence received, Home Office immigration enforcement officers raided Marlowe Park Fish Bar in Wells Road, on May 16.

They checked the immigration status of the staff and found a 27-year-old man from India who was working in breach of his visa conditions. He was arrested and placed in immigration detention.

Officers also found a second man from India who was working illegally. He was stopped from working and escorted from the premises. He must continue to report to the Home Office while an outstanding application is dealt with. If he is found to have no right to remain in the UK he will face removal.

Jackie Fowler, from the Home Office immigration enforcement team in Kent, said: “We are determined to stamp out abuse of the immigration system.

“We want the public to contact us if they have any information on businesses or people who are breaking immigration law.

“Employers who take on illegal workers are both fuelling illegal immigration and undercutting businesses which play by the rules.”

Officers also raided businesses in Gravesend and Canterbury where they found four men working illegally.

All three businesses visited have been handed penalty notices for employing illegal workers.

To avoid fines of up to £10,000 per employee evidence must be provided that the correct pre-employment checks were made on the men – such as seeing a passport or Home Office document.

• Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/business-sponsors/preventing-illegal-working/ or they can call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.
• Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Kent can contact intelkent@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or 01303 247070.