Two illegal workers have been arrested in a raid on a pizza takeaway shop, which could face up to £20,000 in fines.

Home Office immigration enforcement officers raided Papa John’s in Banstead High Street on Wednesday, at 2.35pm.

A Sri Lankan man, 24, and a Pakistani man, 26, were arrested for working in breach of their visa conditions.

The arrested men had been on student visas which did not permit them to work.

Papa John’s was named on the penalty notice and the franchisee will have to discuss the matter with the overarching Papa John’s business.

Papa John’s faces a fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker if unable to prove correct right-to-work checks were performed.

The Sri Lankan has been detained pending removal. The Pakistani man, currently on immigration bail, will be removed if found to have no right to remain.

Paul Smith, from the Thames Valley and Surrey Home Office Immigration Enforcement team, said: "The message to employers in Surrey who choose to use illegal labour is clear.

"We will catch you and you will face a heavy penalty.

"Illegal working is not a victimless crime. 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 heavy fines.

"I would urge members of the public with information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch."

 

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