Temporary permit holders must speak English
Some work permit holders who already have jobs here may be required to take the updated version of the Cayman Islands Immigration Department’s English test before getting their permits renewed.
Immigration revised its test for work permit seekers from non-English speaking countries last year.
The exam, which the Department started administering at Owen Roberts International Airport on 20 November, 2006, includes oral and written questions.
The test previously given to foreigners was an oral exam in which most of the questions were left to the discretion of the processing officer.
Chief Immigration Officer Franz Manderson said anyone who has passed the new comprehensive English test since mid-November will not be required to take it again.
However, those granted work permits, particularly temporary work permits, before then will likely have to take the new test.
‘What we could have is a situation where somebody came in here on a temporary work permit granted in June (2006). They then applied for an annual permit and that is granted in February (of this year). At that time, the person is then asked to do a new test,’ Mr. Manderson said.
Temporary work permit holders would be the only ones forced to take the test. However, Mr. Manderson said those who’ve only been in Cayman a short while might draw more attention from the Work Permit Board.
‘If English is not your first language and if you’ve only been on island for a few months prior to November (2006), it’s to the discretion of the board and Chief Immigration Officer to determine whether the test needs to be done,’ he said.
Cayman does not allow people who don’t speak English to obtain work permits in the country.
Mr. Manderson said there have been some complaints recently from local businesses.
‘It’s basically from employers who are not doing a good job of selecting their employees and then the employers complain we’re being too harsh.’
Since the new test was implemented, some of those who’ve taken it have failed. But Mr. Manderson said they represent the exception and that most people have passed.
He also noted businesses should have known by now that some permitted workers would need to take the updated version of Immigration’s English exam.
However, Cayman Islands Tourism Association Executive Director Ken Thompson told the Caymanian Compass he wasn’t aware of it.
‘I do not remember anything being said regarding (work permit) renewals,’ Mr. Thompson said.
Nadia Stradling with the Sunshine Suites Resort said she was also unaware of the situation. However, after checking with the company’s human resources department, she said it appeared a few current employees would need to be re-tested.
‘If that’s the law, then we’ll follow it,’ she said.
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