TWO Chinese men who worked at an Ellesmere Port restaurant have been arrested for illegally working in the UK and face deportation.

The men, aged 46 and 24, were employed at the Ming Hua takeaway in Cambridge Road when UK Border Agency (UKBA) officers raided the premises last Friday and arrested them.

The 46-year-old man had entered the UK without any leave to do so, while the 24-year-old man had overstayed his visa.

The men currently remain in immigration detention pending their removal from the UK.

Simon Cahill, head of enforcement for the UKBA in the North West, said: “We will not tolerate illegal working, which undercuts wages and can exploit vulnerable workers.

“The UK Border Agency is also targeting employers. We are happy to work with businesses and advise what checks need to be carried out on staff, but those who do break the law should know that they will face heavy fines.”

A civil penalty notice has been served on the Ming Hua restaurant for employing suspected illegal workers.

If the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally required checks were carried out before giving the workers a job, a fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker will be imposed.

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk and click on ‘business and sponsors’, or call the UKBA’s employers helpline on 0300 123 4699.

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