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UK tightens screws on employers of migrant labour
The Standard (Zimbabwe)
February 10, 2008

http://www.thestandard.co.zw/viewinfo.cfm?linkid=11&id=8336&siteid=1

The United Kingdom has introduced tough civil penalties for business employing illegal migrant workers in a move that could affect hundreds of Zimbabweans working in that country.

The new measures, described by the Home Office as the "biggest immigration shake-up for forty years" are aimed at tackling illegal immigration to the UK which is a popular destination for Zimbabweans, fleeing economic ruin in their motherland.

Many Zimbabweans have been staying and working in the UK illegally and have sent the funds they earn back home to support struggling families.

The measures will compel businesses to source their migrant labour through legal means.

Failure to do so will attract severe penalties.

The measures, which became effective this month will enable employers to check on the status of the workers and also allow the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) to deal with non compliance.

"Under a new system of civil penalties, employers who negligently hire illegal workers could face a maiximum fine of 10 000 Pounds for each illegal worker at the business. If employers are found to have knowingly hired illegal workers they could incur an unlimited fine and be sent to prison," the British Embassy said in a statement.

BIA has been conducting operations against illegal workers in UK amid reports that it removed 22 000 people from UK in 2006. A number of Zimbabweans have also been affected by the deportations.

In the next 12 months, the agency is expected to introduce tougher measures which include complusory ID cards for foreign nationals.

An Australian style Points based system to make sure only workers with the skills to benefit Britain's economy.

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