THE Shomraat Indian restaurant in Upper Hale Road is facing a possible £20,000 fine after a raid by immigration enforcement officers earlier last month.

Acting on intelligence, Home Office officials visited the Shomraat on Wednesday, January 17, and found a 29-year-old man from Bangladesh who had overstayed his visa.

He must now report regularly to the Home Office while his case is progressed.

The restaurant was also served a referral notice, warning that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 will be imposed unless it can prove appropriate right-to-work document checks were carried out.

Responding, Shomratt manager Faruk Uddin told The Herald that the suspected illegal worker had only worked at his restaurant for two days and had not been paid for his labour.

“The gentleman only came in two days ago, we asked for his ID and he said he would provide the ID,” said Mr Uddin. “I didn’t pay to him any single pence and he didn’t receive any money.”

The restaurant manager added he has been running the business “for many years” and explained that the man came to “help us” at a time when the restaurant is short-staffed.

Document checks have been carried out on his other employees, he said, and asked if he is confident he can avoid a Home Office fine, replied: “I am 110 per cent”.