14/4/2008Curry chef in fight to avoid being deported
A HEAD chef who has worked in a Glasgow kebab house for four years has been told he can no longer stay in the UK.
Mirza Baig, originally of Pakistan, works at the Lahore Kebab House in Pollokshields. He is just a year away from qualifying for UK residency - but is one of thousands of chefs who have been affected by new immigration laws.
These rules, which came in on February 28, mean a number of restrictions have been placed on low-skilled workers from outwith the European Union.
Last week 100 curry restaurant owners protested outside the Scottish Parliament lobbying MSPs over the problem.
They claimed they were having to employ Eastern Europeans who did not have the necessary skills or cultural background in curry restaurants and takeaways.
Mr Baig, who has been working legally with a work permit that is close to expiry, wrote to the Border and Immigration Agency but was told his job was not skilful enough to re-qualify to remain in Scotland under the new rules.
The 37-year-old works in the takeaway producing a variety of Asian dishes, including curries, and specialises in tandoori food.
Hans Ram, chief executive of Goldstar Chefs, a recruitment company for the Indian restaurant trade, is representing MrBaig in his quest for a permit. He said: "Throughout his time at Lahore Kebab House his work has been of an expert nature.
"This is a man who has grown up with curry in his family, he has watched his mother make it - it is embedded in his culture.
"How can you expect an Eastern European to come in and understand such things? You need teaching and experience."
Mr Baig, who had five years' experience before coming to Scotland, said: "It's extremely upsetting for me and my family, who were looking forward to joining me once I had got my residency.
"If I went back home, the prospects of me getting a job would be slim. Scotland is now my home."
Abdul Abid, 52, the owner of the restaurant, said: "It is practically impossible to find a 'resident' replacement, whether experienced or otherwise. Without an experienced tandoori chef, I cannot produce my product."
Glasgow MSP Bashir Ahmad has urged Borders and Immigration to use common sense.
He said: "This is not a fast food chain like a KFC or a McDonald's.
"You need to be very skilled to present this food - the cuisine characteristics must be compliant with cultural and religious practices related to food preparation.
"I urge them to be realistic - an Indian man is better placed to cook Indian food."
Foysol Choudhury, general secretary of the Bangladesh Samity Association in Edinburgh, has criticised the new rules, which require immigrants to speak English and have an academic qualification.
Mar 18
Mirza Baig, originally of Pakistan, works at the Lahore Kebab House in Pollokshields. He is just a year away from qualifying for UK residency - but is one of thousands of chefs who have been affected by new immigration laws.
These rules, which came in on February 28, mean a number of restrictions have been placed on low-skilled workers from outwith the European Union.
Last week 100 curry restaurant owners protested outside the Scottish Parliament lobbying MSPs over the problem.
They claimed they were having to employ Eastern Europeans who did not have the necessary skills or cultural background in curry restaurants and takeaways.
Mr Baig, who has been working legally with a work permit that is close to expiry, wrote to the Border and Immigration Agency but was told his job was not skilful enough to re-qualify to remain in Scotland under the new rules.
The 37-year-old works in the takeaway producing a variety of Asian dishes, including curries, and specialises in tandoori food.
Hans Ram, chief executive of Goldstar Chefs, a recruitment company for the Indian restaurant trade, is representing MrBaig in his quest for a permit. He said: "Throughout his time at Lahore Kebab House his work has been of an expert nature.
"This is a man who has grown up with curry in his family, he has watched his mother make it - it is embedded in his culture.
"How can you expect an Eastern European to come in and understand such things? You need teaching and experience."
Mr Baig, who had five years' experience before coming to Scotland, said: "It's extremely upsetting for me and my family, who were looking forward to joining me once I had got my residency.
"If I went back home, the prospects of me getting a job would be slim. Scotland is now my home."
Abdul Abid, 52, the owner of the restaurant, said: "It is practically impossible to find a 'resident' replacement, whether experienced or otherwise. Without an experienced tandoori chef, I cannot produce my product."
Glasgow MSP Bashir Ahmad has urged Borders and Immigration to use common sense.
He said: "This is not a fast food chain like a KFC or a McDonald's.
"You need to be very skilled to present this food - the cuisine characteristics must be compliant with cultural and religious practices related to food preparation.
"I urge them to be realistic - an Indian man is better placed to cook Indian food."
Foysol Choudhury, general secretary of the Bangladesh Samity Association in Edinburgh, has criticised the new rules, which require immigrants to speak English and have an academic qualification.
Mar 18