After 16 workers were nabbed for employment and immigration breaches, employers are on notice that they will continue to face random spot checks at workplaces by Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman’s Compliance & Enforcement Unit.
The warning follows Tuesday’s announcement that suspected illegal workers were arrested in a raid at a construction site in George Town during which some workers hid in the roof to avoid detection.
That operation, which was held on Wednesday, 24 July, was a joint effort between WORC and the RCIPS in which six men were arrested at the site – five for working outside the terms of their work permit and one for overstaying.
WORC Deputy Director Mervin Manderson reminded businesses and employers of the importance of being compliant with the Immigration Transition Act and not to allow employees to work without a permit or outside of the terms for which they were approved.
“Doing so may result in administrative fines, revocation of the permit and/or an appearance in court for prosecution. I would like to ensure the public that these random operations will continue in the future,” he said.
WORC, in a statement Tuesday afternoon, said the George Town raid was one of a series of immigration status inspections at multiple construction and landscaping sites in West Bay, George Town and Bodden Town.
The operations took place between 9-12 July and were the result of tips received about illegal employment activities in these industries.
“During these collective operations, a total of 30 sites were investigated, 20 construction sites and 10 landscaping services sites. Approximately 200 persons were interviewed, leading to 16 persons being arrested,” the statement said.
Of the 16 arrested, 11 people were arrested for working outside the terms of their permits, four for working without permits and one for overstaying.
Two people with permanent residency status were also found working outside the occupational position approved.
“Further investigations into the employers of these persons are actively being progressed, which may result in administrative fines levied against the employer,” the WORC statement added.
WORC Director Jeremy Scott extended his thanks to the enforcement officers who completed the compliance operations, saying that performing such duties safely and diligently is commendable.
“These operations were essential to ensure that all employers adhere to the law, maintaining a fair and just workplace for all,” he added.
WORC said it continues to investigate information received and is accepting anonymous complaints through its online portal.
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