TWO illegal immigrants have been arrested in Moneymore, Co Derry.
Officials from the Home Office visited Lucky Dragon Chinese Takeaway on Smith Street on Thursday.
They questioned staff about whether they have the right to live and work in the UK.
A Chinese man aged 29 was arrested for entering the country illegally, while a 27-year-old Chinese woman was arrested after it was found that she had no right to work.
Both were found working in the takeaway’s kitchen.
The Home Office said they have been transferred to immigration detention in Larne pending their removal from the UK.
The owners of the business have been warned it will face fines of up to £20,000 per illegal worker unless it can demonstrate that the proper right to work checks were carried out on the man and woman.
Mike Golden from the Home Office said: “As this operation demonstrates, we are working hard to arrest and remove those who abuse the UK’s immigration system.
“Using illegal labour is not a victimless crime. It cheats the taxpayer, undercuts businesses who ply an honest trade and deprives legitimate job seekers of employment opportunities.
“There are simple checks employers can carry out to ensure their employees have the right to work in the UK.
“Those who choose to ignore the rules will face the consequences.
“I would urge anyone with detailed and specific information about suspected immigration abuse to contact us.”