Two people were arrested on Thursday, 6 Oct., on suspicion of working outside the limitations of their work permits, after a joint operation by Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman and the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.
The investigation is ongoing, and lines of inquiry and questioning are continuing with the workers’ employers, according to a WORC press release.
The operation is part of the WORC Compliance Unit’s remit to tackle illegal employment in the jurisdiction, in addition to other breaches of the Immigration Act.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Border Control and Labour Chris Saunders said in the release, “It is disappointing to see that there are individuals and companies that continue to flout our Immigration laws, which are in place to protect both Caymanians and immigrant workers.”
He added that an individual should never be brought to Cayman without a valid job and means of support.
“As an employer, you must be certain of your ability to pay those that you hire. You must have valid work for them. To do otherwise is against the law,” Saunders said. “We live in a small community, where the good often suffer for the bad. Should we have to put more barriers in place to weed out fraudulent permit applications, legitimate employers will also have to suffer longer processing times and more rigorous background checks.”
Consequences
In addition, he urged both prospective employers and employees to understand the consequences of breaking the law, saying, “Violations will be investigated and prosecuted.”
In the release, WORC said it continues to receive reports of people on work permits who are not working with their listed employers, and are instead looking for employment outside the conditions of their work permits.
The WORC Compliance Unit will maintain its operations to “ensure that all residents in the Cayman Islands have a valid WORC permit or landing facility, and are not here illegally”, it said.
“Offenders will be prosecuted to ensure the public is aware of the serious consequences of committing any breaches of the Immigration Transition Act,” WORC said in the press release.
The agency also pointed out that if anyone on a work permit is found in breach of any conditions, their work permit could be revoked.
WORC’s strategic compliance operations are expected to continue over the next several weeks.
Members of the public who want to make an anonymous complaint should complete the online form found at www.worc.ky or email [email protected].
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