WORC Enforcement Operations Successful

The Compliance & Enforcement Unit at Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) carried out 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 July – 12 July and was the result of tips received of illegal employment activities in these industries.

On the 24th July WORC Compliance Team also carried out a joint operation with the support of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) and Customs & Border Control (CBC), at a construction site on the Linford Pierson Highway in George Town.

During these collective operations a total of thirty (30) sites were investigated, twenty (20) construction sites and ten (10) landscaping services sites. Approximately 200 persons were interviewed leading to sixteen (16) persons being arrested, eleven (11) for Working Outside the Terms of their Permits, four (4) for Working Without Permits and one (1) For Overstaying.

The inspections also discovered two (2) persons with permanent residency status 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.

WORC Deputy Director Mervin Manderson said “I am extremely proud of the compliance officers who carried out these operations and I thank the RCIPS and CBC for their invaluable support. Businesses and employers are reminded of the importance of being compliant with the Immigration Transition Act by not allowing 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.”

WORC Director Jeremy Scott states, “On behalf of WORC, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the enforcement officers who recently completed the compliance operations. Your commitment to performing these 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.”

WORC continues to investigate information received and persons who want to provide WORC with information may do so anonymously by completing the online form on under the complaints tab or email worccomplaints@gov.ky .