Seven Chinese men with no permission to work found at eateries across NI

A string of eateries are facing potential penalties totalling up to £140,000 after immigration offenders were found working at their premises.
The Chinese flagThe Chinese flag
The Chinese flag

The Home Office said in raids between November 25 and December 2, officers found seven Chinese men who had either no permission to work or to be in the country.

One was found at the Golden Peony, Portadown Road, Tandragee; one at Golden Palace, Edward Street, Lurgan; one at China’s Finest, Windmill Street, Ballynahinch; one at Peking Garden, Cross Street, Killyleagh, and three at Hong Kong, Shankill Road, Belfast.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The businesses were each served a referral notice in relation to the illegal workers.

The notice warns that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker will be imposed unless the employer can demonstrate that appropriate right-to-work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.

If proof is not provided this is a potential total of up to £20,000 for Golden Peony, Golden Palace, China’s Finest and Peking Garden.

The potential total for Hong Kong is £60,000.

Mike Golden, from Immigration Enforcement in Northern Ireland, said: “Using illegal labour is not a victimless crime; it cheats the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and means legitimate job seekers are denied employment opportunities.

“It also exploits some of society’s most vulnerable people.”