Illegal immigration: 38 Indians detained in UK
What's the story
As many as 38 Indian nationals, including nine women, were detained by British immigration officials for overstaying their visas or working illegally.
The UK Home Office Immigration Enforcement team had raided fashion factories MK Clothing Ltd and Fashion Times UK Ltd in the city of Leicester.
Both factories face fines up to 20,000 pounds for each illegal worker they hired.
Details
What happens to the detained individuals now?
Immigration officials detained 38 Indians and one Afghan national during the raids.
Of these, 31 had outstayed their visas, seven entered the UK illegally and one was working in violation of visa rules.
19 people have been detained pending their deportation from Britain while the remaining 20 have been ordered to report to the Home Office regularly till their cases are dealt with.
Huge fines
Official: Illegal immigration "cheats the taxpayer"
"Using illegal labour is not victimless. It cheats the taxpayer, undercuts honest businesses and denies legitimate job seekers of employment opportunities," East Midlands Immigration Enforcement assistant director Alison Spowage.
Garment factory MK Clothing Ltd could face a 240,000 pounds fine while Fashion Times UK Ltd -- 180,000 pounds, if proven they didn't lawfully take steps to establish the employees' legal status.