Curry kings turn up heat over immigration

Published on Friday 14 March 2008 09:23

THE curry industry will die if action is not taken to address tough new immigration laws, restaurant bosses have warned.

The stark warning came as around 100 restaurateurs staged a protest at Holyrood over the changes.

Restaurant owners claim new legislation makes it harder for them to bring in staff from outside the EU.

Foysol Choudhury, general secretary of the Bangladesh Samity Association in Edinburgh, criticised new rules requiring immigrants to speak English and have an academic qualification.

"Our chefs don't need to speak English. Their curry talks," he said, adding: "Half of the restaurants will close and we'll lose the food quality. Eventually this industry will die."

Edinburgh entrepreneur Tommy Miah said: "We're going to suffer big time. You guys won't be able to have chicken tikka masala anymore."

"I've been offered a couple of other restaurants to take but I've said I can't do it because I'm struggling with one restaurant."

First Minister Alex Salmond, a curry fan, described the issue as "really serious".