Some entertainment companies are using non-profit organisations in the Cayman Islands to avoid paying work permit fees, according to Chief Immigration Officer Franz Manderson.
Under Cayman Islands Law, non-profits are exempt from permit fees which Mr. Manderson said should be charged to entertainment companies that stage shows for profit.
Mr. Manderson said it’s a particular problem in the sports entertainment industry.
‘This problem has been going on for a while,’ he said. ‘We’ve warned these particular individuals, but now we want to do a general warning because we’re going to be enforcing the law.’
If they are found guilty of violating the Immigration Law, the entertainment company and the non-profit group could be fined up to $5,000. People determined to be responsible might also face up to a year in prison.
Mr. Manderson said it appears some non-profit companies are applying for work permits for entertainers in return for a portion of the money the event earns being paid to the non-profit.
‘The non-profits would receive some of the benefits of the concert or of the event in exchange for applying for the permit,’ he said.
He said temporary work permits which people like travelling entertainers would need to obtain cost about $250 each.
‘Its fine for (non-profits) to receive some of the proceeds, but it’s wrong for them to apply for the permits for entertainers.’
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