News / immigration
Immigration enforcement raid on Bristol’s biggest restaurant
An Immigration Enforcement team from the Home Office visited Bristol’s biggest restaurant as raids continue across the city.
Za Za Bazaar employs more than 100 staff. Despite the raid, there is no indication that the business has done anything wrong.
On Wednesday, police officers were also at the restaurant overlooking the Floating Harbour alongside Immigration Enforcement officials who arrived in an unmarked Ford Tourneo Custom.
A police van left Canon’s Road just before 1pm.
The queue outside Za Za Bazaar is often large and was even longer than usual for Wednesday lunchtime, with 1000 diners able to be seated at the same time for their global buffet food.
There was a large queue outside Za Za Bazaar following the visit from Immigration Enforcement officers – photo: Martin Booth
In February, the Home Office said they were in the midst of a “UK-wide blitz on illegal working to strengthen border security”.
A website story said: “Tackling illegal working plays a vital part in the Home Office’s system-wide approach to ending the promise of false jobs used by smuggling gangs to sell spaces on boats and taking down their business models as we restore order to the immigration system…
“Throughout January alone, Immigration Enforcement teams descended on 828 premises, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants and car washes.”
The Home Office and Za Za Bazaar have both been asked for comment.
An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson told Bristol24/7 that they were present “to provide support”.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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