The Home Office launched an operation in the town at around 6pm on March 13. Two men were arrested in the Flamingo Carry Out on East Princes Street and a man was arrested at Shopsmart on West Princes Street.

Officers spoke to staff at these businesses to establish whether they had the right to live and work in the UK before the three men were taken into custody.

A 37-year-old Pakistani national was arrested at the Flamingo Carry Out and has been released on reporting restrictions whilst his case is progressed. A 31-year-old Moroccan was also arrested at the shop and has been detained whilst the Home Office take steps to remove him from the country.

A 24-year-old Pakistani was arrested at Shopsmart and has also been detained while steps are taken to deport him.

The businesses face potential financial penalties of up to £20,000 for each illegal worker arrested unless the employers can demonstrate that appropriate right to work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document. The Flamingo Carry Out faces a civil penalty of up to a £40,000 and Shopsmart faces a civil penalty of up to £20,000.

Fiona Jack, from the Home Office Immigration Enforcement, said: “These arrests serve as a warning to businesses in Helensburgh using illegal labour. Our dedicated specialist teams have the expertise to catch you and if the correct checks have not been carried out you will pay a heavy penalty. Illegal working cheats the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and often exploits some of society’s most vulnerable people.” She added: “We rely on information from the public and I would urge people to report suspected immigration abuse to us.” Tougher penalties to combat illegal workers in the UK will be introduced from May 16 and repeat offenders who continue to hire illegal workers will face fines of up to £20,000 per employee.

Alan Reid, Argyll and Bute MP, is in favour of tougher measures on immigration. He said: “The law says that employers must satisfy themselves that any potential employees have the right to work in the UK before giving them a job. The immigration authorities have a duty to arrest people if they consider that they are working without the right to do so.” Mr Reid added that although raids can appear to be ‘overly dramatic’ if the Home Office give any warning that they are going to turn up at a workplace, illegal workers can make a getaway before the authorities arrive.