Immigration Solicitors

A total of nine people have been banned from holding directorships, after an investigation by the Insolvency Service found that the directors of several restaurants were employing workers illegally.

Restaurants based in Spalding in Lincolnshire, King’s Lynn, London, Bristol, Redhill and Horsham employed 20 illegal workers between them – and had been fined in 2013 and 2014, after Home Office Immigration Enforcement found them to be employing illegal workers.

The businesses were all subsequently put into liquidation, with the fines left unpaid.

Akhtar Zaman, 48 – the sole registered director of Rajkumar Restaurant in Horsham – was disqualified for eight years. The Insolvency Agency said that Akhtar Zaman’s disqualification followed collaboration between the Insolvency Service and Home Office Immigration Enforcement – formerly UK Border Agency.

In May 2013, having inspected the premises of Rajkumar Restaurant, UK Border Agency officials found six illegal workers and imposed a penalty of £30,000. After the visit, Akhtar Zaman made three transfer payments of almost £13,000 to himself within a two-week period during June 2013 –
and failed to provide any explanations when requested.

The company did not pay the £30,000 penalty imposed by the UK Border Agency and ceased trading in November 2013. At liquidation in March 2014, the company had a recorded deficiency in excess of £73,000 – including £30,000, which was owed to the UK Border Agency in respect of the penalty imposed for employing illegal workers.

In other cases, Irina Kandel Sapkota, 33 – the director of Everest Spice in Redhill – was disqualified for six years.

Sitar Ahmed, 62 – the director of Ahmed Tandoori Restaurant in Wimbledon, southwest London – was disqualified for six years.

Mohammed Liton Miah, 28 – the director of India Gate Restaurant, Kings Lynn – was disqualified for seven years.

Kahir Uddin Chowdhury and Bedar Chowdhury – the directors of Cinnamon Restaurant in Bristol – were both disqualified for six years.

Abu Rasel, 40, and Fazlul Haque, 29 – the directors of Tulip Tandoori in Spalding – were also both disqualified for six years.

Insolvency Service Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Vicky Bagnall, said:

“Employing illegal workers is not a victimless crime – these directors sought an unfair advantage over their competitors by employing people under the radar who were not entitled to work legally in the UK.

“It is not acceptable to use the insolvency process to escape legal sanctions.

“This action is a warning to other employers that if you flout the law, there will be consequences.”

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can advise on a wide range of immigration matters, including right to work in the UK, the Modern Slavery Bill, illegal entry to the UK, asylum in the UK and asylum appeals – as well as appeals against deportation from the UK under the Human Rights Act.

Duncan Lewis is a successful firm of Legal Aid immigration solicitors – and can advise on business immigration, work visas, visa overstays and student visas.

For expert legal advice on UK immigration law – including the Modern Slavery Bill and appeals against deportation from the UK using human rights legislation – call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For urgent help with immigration matters, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607, where an accredited immigration lawyer is available 24/7.