41 PR certificates revoked as WORC cracks down on delinquency

Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman has rescinded 41 permanent residency statuses over non-payment of annual fees, and it appears the crackdown on delinquency is just starting as interim Director Laura Watler issued a warning to those with fees outstanding.

“It’s important for permanent residents who hold PR certificates to remain in compliance with the requirements that come along with holding such a certificate. Permanent resident status should be respected, and seen as a privilege and not a right,” Watler said in a statement late Friday announcing the revocation.

According to the WORC statement, the statuses were rescinded following the issuance of 53 warning letters advising the PR holders to settle delinquency payments or face the loss of their PR certificates.

“When holders of PR certificates do not abide by the law, the certificate can be taken away. Making the required payment annually is the right thing to do to avoid revocation,” Watler added.

All residents holding PR certificates are expected to comply with the country’s immigration laws by taking the necessary steps to ensure payment is made on or before the annual due date, the statement said.

Back in 2020 then Premier Alden McLaughlin, who was also immigration minister, had indicated in Parliament that $5.14 million was owed in back fees by some 640 PR holders.

“When holders of PR certificates do not abide by the law, the certificate can be taken away. Making the required payment annually is the right thing to do to avoid revocation,” Acting interim WORC Director Laura Watler

The Cayman Compass has requested updated figures for fees owed. We are awaiting those figures.

Deputy Premier and Border Control and Labour Minister Chris Saunders, who had previously sounded the warning that action would be forthcoming for outstanding debts, welcomed the WORC decision “to address the longstanding issue of non-payment of Permanent Residence fees”.

“It has been absolutely unfair to the many hardworking permanent residents of these Islands who have played by the rules and paid their annual fees faithfully every year to have people be delinquent and face no consequences,” said Saunders, through the statement.

Under Section 51 (1) (m) of the Immigration (Transition) Act, (2021 Revision), individuals have up to 90 days after their annual due date to pay. After this time, “mindful to revoke” letters are issued.

“If payment still remains outstanding, the letters are referred to the Cayman Status Permanent Residency Board or the Director of WORC, who have the authority to revoke permanent residency certificates for non-payment,” the statement said.

Saunders said government understands that these “are challenging times,” however, he said, “there are options available for those having difficulties. Ignoring the warning letters and not paying the fees at all is not the way to go”.

WORC reminded that permanent residency holders are obligated to submit annual declarations as mandated by Section 37(12) of the Immigration (Transition) Act, (2021 Revision).

“The PR holder’s failure to provide such declaration to WORC is both an offence and cause for revocation of the PR Certificate as well,” it added.

Parliamentary Secretary for Labour Dwayne Seymour also welcomed this latest step in immigration action.

“The non-payment of PR fees has been an issue since I was first elected to Parliament back in 2009, and I’m very pleased to see that it is being dealt with effectively and in accordance with our laws,” he said.

Watler thanked her staff for working “diligently to verify and ensure compliance within our laws and the collaboration within sections to bring these delinquencies forward for enforcement”.

PR holders can make annual payments in person by visiting the WORC office at Apollo House West, 87 Mary Street, George Town or by using the stand-alone payment portal accessible via www.worc.ky through the JobsCayman portal.