THREE failed asylum seekers from Iran have been found working at a car wash business in Sketty.

In a separate raid, immigration officers also discovered an Indian man working illegally at a Mayhill supermarket.

The three workers at Gower Hand Car Wash, on Gower Road, aged 20, 21 and 24, should have left the UK when their asylum claims were turned down.

The trio have now been placed on immigration bail and must report to the UK Border Agency while steps are taken to return them to Iran.

Their boss could be hit with a fine of up to £30,000 if he is unable to provide evidence that mandatory checks were carried out before employing them, such as asking for a passport or another Home Office document.

The raid on M&H Supermarket, on Mayhill Road, unearthed a 33-year-old Indian man who had entered the country illegally. He was detained and returned to India the following day. The business was handed a civil penalty notice and could face a fine of up to £10,000 unless it can prove the mandatory checks were carried out.

Jane Farleigh, regional director of the UK Border Agency in Wales and South West, said: "These raids are part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal working to reduce the attractiveness of the UK to illegal immigrants. Anyone who takes on a foreign national without permission to work in the UK is breaking the law, undermining law-abiding businesses and faces a big fine.

"This year alone, we've issued fines worth hundreds of thousands of pounds to dozens of businesses across South Wales."

She added: "There are strict rules about which foreign nationals can get a job in the UK and businesses have a clear responsibility to carry out the right checks."

The Government is currently making a series of reforms to the UK's immigration system.

ID Cards for foreign nationals are being introduced which will help protect against illegal working.

The Australian-style points-based system is aimed to ensure only those with the skills the UK needs can work.

A new civil penalty system was brought in last year to provide a quick way of tackling employers who fail to carry out proper checks.

Anyone who suspects illegal workers are being employed in Swansea can contact the UK Border Agency on 02920 924727.

richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk