Concern at fate of migrant workers
There is concern over the fate of up to twenty migrant workers who were detained
in a joint PSNI/British Immigration Service operation in the Portadown area
on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, according to Sinn Féin Upper Bann
MLA, John O'Dowd.
Assemblyman O'Dowd, "Sinn Féin has received
reports from a number of reliable sources that as many as twenty migrant
workers may have been detained in a joint PSNI/ British Immigration Service
operation which commenced in the Portadown area on Tuesday. Those detained
include Brazilian and Eastern European citizens. One unconfirmed report to
Sinn Féin suggests that a daughter, her mother and grand-mother may be
among those detained. 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.
"Many migrant workers have work
permits and are part of the formal labour force. But there are a number of
others who do not, for a wide variety of reasons. These undocumented, hidden
or clandestine workers are at the mercy of some very unscrupulous
recruitment agencies and employers. 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.
Mr O'Dowd concluded by
saying, "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."
ENDS