A RESTAURANT with a history of employing illegal workers has been temporarily closed by Immigration Enforcement officers.

Acting on intelligence, officers raided Yasmin’s on Sycamore Street, Newcastle Emlyn, on Thursday, 21 September, at 7pm and carried out immigration checks.

Two men from Bangladesh, both aged 37, who had overstayed their visas, were arrested. They have been detained while steps are taken to remove them from the UK.

A further two men from Bangladesh, a 45-year-old who has an outstanding immigration application which does not entitle him to work, and a 42-year-old who has no permission to work, must now report regularly to Immigration Enforcement while their cases are progressed.

Previous visits to Yasmin’s, conducted in August 2013 and January and October 2014, found a total of five illegal workers.

“Since 2012 civil penalties totalling £88,750 have been imposed on the business, of which over £71,000 remains unpaid,” said a spokesperson. “This is being actively pursued by the Home Office.

“Given Yasmin’s history of non-compliance, officers were able to temporarily close the business using immigration powers which form part of the Immigration Act 2016.

“Under these powers, businesses found to be employing illegal workers and with a history of doing so can be closed for up to 48 hours during which time an application is made to the court for a compliance order.”

Yasmin’s was temporarily closed for 48 hours between Friday and Monday, 22 and 25 September.

A Compliance Order has been granted by Swansea Magistrates Court and will remain in force until 21 September 2018.

It includes requirements that the business owner must check that their employees have the right to work, must permit entry by immigration officers to the premises to inspect for compliance and must inform Immigration Enforcement in writing before opening any other business.