One of Perth’s most popular restaurants is facing a fine of up to £40,000 after being raided by Immigration Enforcement officers on Friday.
Officers visited Nawaab, on South Methven Street, at around 6pm and arrested two Pakistani men, aged 28 and 35.
They also carried out operations at Caf Aladdin, on West Mains Avenue, and Balajee Spice, on the city’s Main Street.
A 32-year-old Indian man was arrested at the Caf Aladdin and has been detained while steps are taken to remove him from the country.
At Balajee Spice a 32-year-old Indian man was arrested and detained, while his case is taken forward. A 35-year-old Indian man was escorted from the premises as he had no right to work.
Of the two men arrested at Nawaab, one remains in detention and the other was released with reporting restrictions.
If the firms cannot prove they carried out the appropriate checks to ensure the workers are in the country legally they could be fined up to £20,000 per person.
Stephen Roarty, from Home Office Immigration Enforcement, said: “Illegal working undercuts honest employers, defrauds the public purse and cheats legitimate job hunters out of employment opportunities.
“We are happy to work with employers to explain the simple checks that need to be carried out to establish a person’s right to work in the UK. The message to those who choose to ignore the rules is clear we will find you and you will face a heavy financial penalty.”
All three firms declined to comment.