EIGHT illegal immigrants caught working in an Ipswich restaurant are back in Malaysia today after being deported - but six Chinese working there illegally have been freed while officials try to the right paperwork.

EIGHT illegal immigrants caught working in an Ipswich restaurant are back in Malaysia today after being deported - but six Chinese working there illegally have been freed while officials try to the right paperwork.

The 14 illegal workers were seized by Border and Immigration Agency officials at the Temptation Chinese Buffet restaurant in Carr Street on Friday.

A spokesman for the agency said the Chinese had been temporarily released while emergency travel documents are obtained. They will then be reported.

When asked how the agency would stop the Chinese from absconding, spokesman Simon Ballinger said they faced strict reporting restrictions to either a police station or a Border and Immigration office.

A decision on charges against the restaurant has yet to be made.

Immigration officials struck at 7pm on Friday after gaining intelligence on Temptation's. None of those arrested had permission to work in Britain.

Last night staff at the restaurant said owner Danis Pun was unavailable for comment.

But earlier this week Mr Pun, who has lived in England for 17 years, insisted the business had done nothing wrong and was open as usual.

“They were not illegal workers. They visit for six months but we did not employ them,” he said.

“We gave them accommodation and food but did not pay them anything to work here. They volunteered to just come and help us out. The raid has really upset us. There is no humanity in this country anymore.”

He added: “They locked everywhere up and took away the CCTV. I pay £50,000 a year in tax. Why did they do this to me?”

The regional boss of the Border and Immigration agency warned that employers who use illegal workers could be named and shamed and face criminal charges.

“We have teams visiting businesses across Suffolk to make sure they are not breaking the law.

“Many employers work with us to ensure that they only employ legal workers.”

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to ensure they do not employ illegal workers can visit www.employingmigrantworkers.org.uk or call the Border and Immigration Employers Helpline on 0845 010 6677.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business in Ipswich should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where anonymity can be assured.