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A total of 25 people have been arrested after immigration officials raided business premises in Dublin and Meath.

The searches were carried out by the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in conjunction with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Department of Social Protection.

The first search was carried out at an Asian food warehouse and attached offices in a business park in west Dublin on Thursday, January 30.

A garda spokeswoman said: "Following investigations, enquiries and intelligence gathered by GNIB, it was established that this company was suspected of employing persons in contravention of the Immigration and Employment Permits Legislation.

"It was also established that a number of persons who were subject to deportation orders were being employed at this business."

Six people were arrested during the search. Three were arrested on foot of live deportation orders while the other three were arrested for having no legal status to be in the State.

They subsequently appeared before Blanchardstown District Court on Friday, January 31 and were remanded until Friday, March 13.

During the search Department of Social Protection officers suspended a number of payments, including Disability Allowance, Rent Supplement and Child Benefit.

It is estimated the operation will result in €100,000 potential savings to the state.

The Workplace Relations Commission are continuing to investigate to ensure compliance with employment legislation.

In a second search, the GNIB, Work Relations Commission and Department of Social Protection searched the offices and warehouse of a meat processing company in Meath.

A total of 19 people at the premises were found to be in contravention of either immigration or permit legislation.

The garda spokeswoman said: "Four people were arrested and charged under immigration legislation; they were subsequently bailed to appear at Swords courts on the 19 February 2020 and Balbriggan Court on 27 February 2020.

"A fifth person claimed asylum. And an additional 11 people were encountered with not having any current immigration status in the State; they will be subsequently removed in accordance with legislation.

"A further three non-EU Nationals were interviewed due to possible discrepancies in relation to work permits.

"The Work Relations Commission are continuing to investigate to ensure compliance with Employment Legislation."