30 Pakistani illegal workers held in UK

Officials say UK Border Agency doesn’t single out Pakistanis.

ISLAMABAD:

The UK Border Agency has arrested over 300 illegal workers, including over 30 Pakistani nationals, a press statement issued on Thursday said.

Regional Director UK Border Agency Pakistan and the Gulf, Carol Doughty, said that steps are now being taken to remove the majority of these illegal workers from the UK. He said that combating illegal migration is a top priority of the UK government.

The press statement also quoted UK Immigration Minister Damian Green as saying that the UK Border Agency officers across the country have carried out a major enforcement crackdown which has generated a large number of arrests, cash seizures and prosecutions.

“We do not single out Pakistanis. We will not tolerate this abuse from any nationality,” Regional Director Doughty said, adding, “We will take action against all those who are living in the UK illegally, including those who overstay, illegal entrants and those working without permission.” He also said, “We welcome thousands of genuine visitors from Pakistan to the UK each year but we want people to understand that there is no future for them in the UK if they choose to go by illegal means or overstay their visa. When they get caught offenders are faced with deportation and even the possibility of prison.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th, 2011.