Immigration officers raid two Irvine stores

In a joint operation with Police Scotland, Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers raided a shop and a takeaway on Wednesday, October 22, carrying out immigration checks on members of staff.

Workers at the town’s Key Store in Kilwinning Road and the Volcano Takeaway in High Street were questioned about their immigration status.

As a result, a 47-year-old Pakistani man working in the Key Store, was arrested for allegedly being in the UK illegally. He has been detained pending his deportation from the UK.

The Volcano was visited by officers at around 5.15pm and a 22-year-old man from India was also arrested for allegedly being in the UK illegally.

However, he was released but must report regularly to the Home Office while his case is progressed.

The owners of both shops could also be hit with a hefty fine of up to £20,000 unless adequate proof is provided to show that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out.

Stephen Roarty, of Home Office Immigration Enforcement, said: “Illegal working is not victimless. It defrauds the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities.

“We are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be made on staff, but those who break the law should know that they will face the consequences.

“I would urge people with specific and detailed information about suspected illegal working to contact us.” Information to help employers carry out checks to prevent illegal working can be found at www.gov.uk/government/collections/employers-illegal-working-penalties.

It includes a new quick answer right-to-work tool to help employers check if someone has the right to work in the UK.

Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact www.gov.uk/report-immigration-crime or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Times approached both the Volcano and the Key Store for a response but they were unavailable for comment.