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UK Border Agency nabs 30 illegal Pakistani workers

Updated at: 2226 PST,  Thursday, April 14, 2011  ISLAMABAD: The UK Border Agency has arrested over 300 illegal workers including over 30 Pakistani nationals in a series of enforcement operations across the UK, Geo News reported. According to the UK High Commission steps are now being taken to remove the majority of these illegal workers from the UK. Carol Doughty, Regional Director, UK Border Agency Pakistan and the Gulf in a statement said, “We welcome 1000’s 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.” He said the illegal workers when caught are faced with deportation and even the possibility of prison. The UK and Pakistan have a close and productive relationship through strong ties of history, citizens, trade, investment and security. “We continue to work with the Pakistani Government to highlight these dangers and to promote the right way to go about getting a visa,” he said. He said the vast majority of migrants to the UK are law-abiding and want to abide by the conditions of their visa. “We are keen to support them. However, it is perfectly reasonable not to tolerate those who abuse our visa system,” he added. He said, “We do not single out Pakistanis - we will not tolerate this abuse from any nationality. We will take action against all of those who are living in the UK illegally, including those who overstay, illegal entrants and those working without permission.” The UK Immigration Minister Damian Green said, “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.”