Six people were arrested after immigration officers raided a high street nail salon.

The Home Office has since detained four Chinese nationals after visiting Joy Nails in Sittingbourne yesterday (October 15).

An immigration enforcement van was pictured parked opposite the nail bar, and officers from South East ICE and the police were in attendance.

Two men and four women were identified as suspected immigration offenders and arrested.

Four were detained and the others bailed.

A Civil Penalty Referral Notice was served on the shop, and it could now face a substantial fine if it is found to have employed illegal workers and failed to conduct relevant pre-employment checks.

The notice can include a fine of up to £45,000 per illegal worker for a first breach and up to a maximum of £60,000 for repeat offending.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercuts local wages, and fuels the criminal industry of immigration crime.

“This government is determined to clamp down on that illegal activity in every sector where it occurs, including nail bars.

“Under this government, enforcement action nationwide has increased, with visits and arrests up by around 50% on the previous twelve months, and we will be stepping up that action further in the year ahead.”

KentOnline has attempted to contact Joy Nails for comment.