FOUR illegal immigrants have been arrested after two separate raids at two Chinese restaurants.

The raids come as part of a crackdown by the UK Border Agency which says it is taking 'tough action against rogue employers' in Dorset who knowingly hire illegal workers.

Last week a raid in Weymouth resulted in the arrest of two Malaysian men from a brothel in Bath Street and the immediate deportation of a 32-year-old man back to Malaysia.

The first raid, on the Lee Oriental Restaurant on High West Street, Dorchester, took place on Wednesday and after checking the immigration status of all staff their officers arrested two Asian workers.

A 33-year-old Malaysian man working in the kitchen and a 30-year-old Malaysian woman serving customers had both overstayed their visas.

They were both taken to Weymouth Police Station where they await in detention to be deported back to Malaysia.

On the same day, immigration officers targeted the Golden Island Chinese takeaway at 33 Straits, Portland, shortly before 6pm and two kitchen workers were found to be working illegally.

A 31-year-old Chinese man was arrested after officers established he was a failed asylum seeker and has since been released on immigration bail while emergency travel documents necessary for removal are secured.

A 35-year-old Malaysian woman had overstayed her visa and will be kept in detention until she is deported.

Both businesses were issued with penalty notices for employing illegal workers and could face fines of up to £10,000 per illegal worker.

To avoid the fines, the employers must prove to the UK Border Agency that they carried out the correct right-to-work checks, such as asking for a passport or work permit, before giving the workers jobs.

Jane Farleigh, regional director of the UK Border Agency in Wales and the South West, said: “We are taking tough action against employers who knowingly hire illegal workers – often exploiting them.

“As long as there are illegal jobs – the UK will be an attractive place for illegal immigrants. That’s why we have to put a stop to rogue employers who don’t play by the rules.”

The operations come at a time of massive reform to the UK’s immigration system.

ID cards for foreign nationals are being introduced which will help protect against identity fraud and illegal working.

The Government is rolling out an Australian-style points-based system for managing migration, ensuring only those with the skills the UK needs are allowed to work.

Civil penalties for businesses who fail to carry out the proper checks when employing migrants from outside Europe were introduced by the Government last year – allowing employers to be fined up to £10,000 per illegal employee.

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers