A Thai man will be deported after an immigration raid at a restaurant in Watford.

Immigration Enforcement officers arrested a 52-year-old man from Thailand after visiting Thai 4 U in St Albans Road on Thursday.

The man had overstayed his visit visa, according to the Home Office. 

The business could also be fined up to £20,000 unless it demonstrates it did the proper checks to ensure someone could work there.

Inspector Robert Tompkins of Immigration Enforcement said: “It is easy for businesses to carry out employment checks and those with appropriate records have nothing to fear from Immigration Enforcement.

“However, those who either knowingly employ immigration offenders or who have a lax attitude towards the legally required checks should expect a visit.

“Our efforts to tackle illegal working will not stop. Using illegal labour is not a victimless crime. It defrauds the Treasury, undercuts honest businesses and cheats legitimate job seekers of employment opportunities.

“We carry out regular operations in Hertfordshire and those who ignore the rules will face the consequences.”