THIRTEEN PAKISTANI workers are facing deportation following arrests across Fife and Tayside during an operation by the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA), supported by the police, on Friday.

Six takeaways in Fife and two in Tayside were targeted by officials. Arrests were made in Cupar, Anstruther, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy, Cardenden, Methil and Kinross at premises of the Caspian Fast Food chain and steps are now being taken to remove the alleged illegal workers from the country.

Caspian Fast Food, in Hebrides Drive, Dundee, was also targeted but no arrests were made.

BIA regional director Phil Taylor said he was “absolutely committed” to rooting out people allegedly working illegally in Fife and Tayside. “Immigration officers are focusing on gathering hard intelligence and acting on it to ensure our laws are not abused.

“We have teams throughout the country who visit businesses to ensure they are not breaking the law.

“Our message to employers is—if you employ illegal workers, you could be named and shamed and face criminal charges.”

The operation comes at a time of massive reform to the immigration system. A tough Australian-style points based system for managing immigration is being introduced in about five months’ time and people will only be allowed to work or study in Britain if they are really needed.

Employers found breaching their obligations as sponsors can be stripped of their licence to employ workers under the system. Employers unsure of the steps to ensure they do not employ illegal workers can visit www.employingmigrantworkers.org.uk or call the employers’ helpline on 0845 010 6677.

Anyone who suspects illegals are being employed at a business in Scotland should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity is assured.