UK Border Agency to take no further action against owners of Taste of Bengal.

THE UK Border Agency has written to the owner of a Honiton restaurant to confirm no further action will be taken following an immigration raid.

Mafizur Rahman, of Taste of Bengal, in High Street, and his elder son, Havivur Rahman Pervez, were away when the border agency and police swooped on the business on June 24.

Two kitchen staff, including Taste of Bengal’s second chef, were removed from the premises and detained while their immigration status was checked.

In a written statement, the UK Border Agency told the Midweek Herald that both men were immigration offenders and that they would be deported.

However, it has now emerged that neither face immediate action.

The Herald has seen official documents that reveal one of the men has been given an extension to temporary permission to work in the UK, while the other can live in the UK but not work.

“When the story about the raid was published, people were concerned,” Mr Rahman said. “I was away when the UK Border Agency came and nobody else knew where I kept my paperwork.”

Mr Rahman Pervez showed the Midweek Herald extensive documents and pointed out: “We keep properly maintained staff records.”

Mr Rahman has been told, in writing, that a civil penalty (fine) is “not applicable” in his case. “It is good that the UK Border Agency needs to check, but, somehow, they misunderstood,” he said.

The raid came just a month after the Taste of Bengal won yet another award for its cuisine.

Quality Food Online awarded the business a certificate in recognition of the standard and presentation of its meals, as well as the excellent service provided.

Following requests from customers, The Taste of Bengal will be open for lunch on Christmas Day. A special menu, at discount rates, will be on offer, but booking is essential.