London: Leading NRI Labour MP Keith Vaz today called for an immediate halt on raids being carried out on South Asian restaurants as they are having a devastating effect on Britain's 10,000-strong catering industry.

Vaz, Chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, and other Members of Parliament have received numerous complaints that officials from the Borders and Immigration Agency are targeting South Asian restaurants by dramatically entering them at peak hours, forcing customers to leave their meals in mid way and closing the restaurant.

The complaints also alleged that border officials question in full public view managers, waiters and chefs asking for immigration documentation.

"There is little evidence to suggest that these raids have produced any significant evidence of illegality. All they seek to do is cause mayhem in restaurants costing the owners hundreds and sometimes thousands of pounds. These are not just fishing expeditions, these are targeted annihilations," Vaz said.

"There should be an immediate halt and instead a dialogue should be created with employer's groups to see what can be done to stamp out illegal working," he added.

"In 2008 it should not be a requirement for people to have to go to work with their passports. As for the customers, people go out for a quiet meal they do not want to be part of a scene from The Bill."

Vaz said he has asked for a meeting with Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith.
Source : PTI