An Indian restaurant in Dunmow could be facing a fine of up to £60,000 after being accused of employing three illegal workers.

The Jalsa Ghar, in Stortford Road was visited by immigration enforcement officers on July 6 and now faces a licensing review at Uttlesford District Council within the next couple of months.

Unless the employer can demonstrate that “appropriate” right-to-work document checks were carried out, a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker will be imposed.

A Home Office spokesman said: “Acting on intelligence, immigration enforcement officers carried out a visit to Jalsa Ghar, Stortford Road, Essex on July 6. Three Bangladeshi men aged 23, 37 and 41 were arrested as checks showed that they had overstayed their visas.

“Two have been detained pending their removal from the UK. The third man was released and ordered to report regularly to the Home Office while his case continues. Jalsa Ghar was served a civil penalty referral notice, warning that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker will be imposed unless the employer can demonstrate that appropriate right-to-work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.”

The spokesman said that information to help employers carry out checks to prevent illegal working can be found on the government’s website, www.gov.uk.

The spokesman added: “This includes a quick answer right-to-work tool to help employers check if someone has the right to work in the UK. People with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact www.gov.uk/report-immigration-crime or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The owner of the restaurant, Zia Chowdhury, was not available for comment when approached by the Broadcast.

Mr Chowdhury told the Herts and Essex Observer that he had made stupid mistakes but he was learning.