A man from Sri Lanka has been detained following an immigration enforcement operation at a Premier convenience store in Maryburgh.
Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Scotland officers carried out a pre-planned visit to Maryburgh Stores on Proby Street in the village on Friday, January 30. During the inspection, officers found a Sri Lankan national working at the premises without the required permission to work in the UK.
The man was arrested at the scene and later released on bail while investigations into his case continue.
The UK Home Office confirmed that a Civil Penalty Referral Notice has been issued in connection with the incident, with further enquiries to establish liability.
A Home Office spokesperson said:
“Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercuts local wages and fuels organised immigration crime.
“This government will not stand for it.
“Since coming to power, enforcement action nationwide has increased, with 63 per cent rise in illegal working arrests, and we will be stepping up that action further in the year ahead.”
The Home Office Civil Penalty Compliance Team will assess the available evidence before determining whether a formal Civil Penalty Notice will be issued.
Under current regulations, civil penalties can reach up to £45,000 per illegal worker for a first offence and up to £60,000 for repeat breaches.
