Britain: Thirty-eight Indians were detained by UK immigration officials in a raid at a clothing factory last week. These Indians have been reportedly either overstaying or staying illegally in the city of Leicester.
In a news report by DC, the immigration team raided MK clothing Ltd and Fashion Times Ltd. Out of all, 31 were outstaying while 7 entered UK illegally, Leicester Mercury reported.
“Using illegal labour is not victimless. It cheats the taxpayer, undercuts honest businesses and denies legitimate job seekers of employment opportunities,” Assistant Director, Alison Spowage from immigration enforcement told.
He also said that breaching of any immigration laws will lead to heavy penalties. He also encouraged people to contact them in the case of encountering any such law breakers.
The UK Home Office Immigration Enforcement conducted the raid with the help of Leicestershire Police and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers.
The raided companies can be fined up to 20,000 pounds per person. Which will cost 240,000 pounds and 180,000 pounds for MK clothing Ltd and Fashion Times UK Ltd respectively, in case they are found guilty of not taking steps to establish their employees’ legal status. The statement from both of the companies is yet to come.
In Britain, if a company hires employees, it should check their legal status. If they hire people not having the right to work, they are liable to pay heavy fines.