Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) is highlighting the critical role of public cooperation in supporting enforcement efforts, upholding immigration laws and protecting the integrity of the Cayman Islands' work permit system.
As part of its ongoing compliance and enforcement efforts, WORC continues to monitor immigration compliance, investigate suspected offences and take appropriate enforcement action. Public cooperation further supports these efforts by providing valuable information and assistance throughout the investigative process.
As of October 2026, WORC has recorded 1,010 complaints, closed 492 investigations and issued fines totalling CI$63,527.50. WORC has also completed 483 risk management reviews and 4,033 annual declaration reviews, demonstrating the scope of its ongoing work to identify potential breaches and ensure compliance with immigration legislation.
Among these recent enforcement actions, WORC’s investigation led to seven (7) individuals charged with making false representations in connection with suspected fraudulent or irregular Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) score reports submitted as part of work permit applications.
Through enquiries and verification with Cayman Business Solutions, the local TOEIC testing provider, WORC Compliance Officers identified discrepancies in the submitted reports, resulting in the individuals being arrested and subsequently charged.
WORC Deputy Director of Compliance, Mervin Manderson, emphasised WORC’s commitment to strengthening its enforcement procedures and ensuring that suspected breaches are thoroughly investigated. "Our Compliance Team is working closely with the Work Permit Team and Customer Care to strengthen our verification and detection processes and support effective enforcement action. Making false representations is a serious offence and, if convicted, individuals may face significant penalties, including imprisonment."
While WORC continues to strengthen its internal processes, the Department stresses that effective enforcement also depends on the willingness of members of the public to assist beyond the initial reporting of suspected offences.
Mervin Manderson stated, “I am extremely proud of my team and everyone who contributed to a recent investigation relating to allegations concerning work permit fees and employment arrangements involving a local business owner and former employees. In that situation, a key factor was that most former employees were unwilling to support the prosecution, and a key witness who had initially provided evidence subsequently withdrew their support. Therefore, a case could not be brought before the court.”
WORC Director Jeremy Scott said, “The outcome of this matter underscores the importance of cooperation throughout the investigative and prosecution process. We encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward so that matters can be properly assessed and, where appropriate, advanced through the courts.”
WORC recognises that some individuals may be reluctant to come forward. However, reporting suspected offences through the appropriate channels is an important step in supporting the administration of justice. Individuals who have information relevant to an investigation are encouraged to cooperate fully with the authorities and to provide truthful and accurate accounts of what they have witnessed or experienced.
WORC reminds the public that complaints can be an anonymously via an online form available on worc.ky or via email to worccomplaints@gov.ky.