Migrant workers held in sweep

Twenty migrant workers detained in the North may be deported for failing to have proper identification papers, Sinn Féin claimed today.

Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd said the operation in Portadown, which had not been publicised, was an attempt to fast-track the group out of the North.

It is understood those detained include Brazilian and eastern European citizens.

The party has also received unconfirmed reports that a woman, her mother and her grandmother may be among the group.

The joint PSNI/ British Immigration Service operation was carried out on Tuesday evening and yesterday morning.

Mr O’Dowd said: “At this stage, it is believed that those detained are only suspected of not being in possession of proper identification papers and documentation.

“Concern has been expressed that attempts may be made to deport those detained as quickly as possible without permitting them access to full and proper legal representation in order that the detainees may be in a position to challenge their detention or prevent their deportation.

“Indeed, the apparent media blackout surrounding this operation reinforces the perception that this lack of publicity is clearly designed to assist the authorities in their attempt to ‘ghost’ these people out of the country.”

Mr O’Dowd called on the police to target the unscrupulous recruitment agencies and employers who exploit hidden workers.

The MLA said: “They are vulnerable to abuse and desperately poorly paid.

“They often work long hours in conditions which are totally illegal.

“In a number of cases, they are living in overcrowded conditions while paying highly inflated rents and, in many instances, their employment and accommodation are linked.

“It would be interesting to know what action, if any, the PSNI and other authorities are taking against those known ‘gangmaster’ type figures in Portadown and other areas of the North who are exploiting and profiteering on the backs of the migrant workers, particularly those who are ‘undocumented’ and cannot speak out because of that ‘undocumented’ status.”