(CNS): Following recent reports on social media and an article on Cayman Marl Road about an alleged people-trafficking and work permit scam, officials from the Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration, the Department of Labour and Pensions (DLP) and Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) have acknowledged the accusations.
However, they said very little about any investigation into allegations that a couple, trading under the name LJS Recruitment, are abusing the temporary permit system to bring expatriate workers, mostly from the Philippines and Nepal, into the Cayman Islands and con them out of thousands of dollars.
“All allegations of wrongdoing and breaches of the Immigration Transition Act are taken seriously and all reports are assessed in accordance with established protocols by DLP and WORC. Where credible evidence exists, appropriate actions are taken, including investigations, administrative measures, and referrals for prosecution,” the government agencies said last week in a brief release.
“The enforcement unit of WORC and DLP remains committed to protecting vulnerable workers, ensuring compliance, and maintaining the integrity of the immigration system, and encourages the public to report concerns, which will be handled confidentially,” they added. But the release did not say if the trade and business licence for LJS Recruitment has been suspended or if it is still being granted work permits.
Just a few weeks ago, Premier André Ebanks implied that he was taking the accusations seriously and had asked for an investigation, as the “alleged failings seem to be at either a civil service or a board level”, and that the deficiencies need to be addressed and gaps in the system closed.
According to Marl Road reporting, the couple involved have been bringing in workers on temporary permits for years, charging as much as $25,000 to secure work that often does not exist.
Open-source records from the Department of Commerce show the pair are linked to various business licences purporting to be car washes, general maintenance services, mobile salons, spas, domestic helper services, and bar and restaurant operations.
It has been alleged that at least some of the businesses are merely fronts to secure temporary permits, and that when the employees arrive, they are left to fend for themselves or given three months’ minimum-wage work somewhere before being abandoned and left in debt.
Immigration Minister Michael Myles has said the temporary permit system is subject to significant abuse, and he is developing policies within WORC to address the problem. He has also noted concerns that the whole immigration system is vulnerable to exploitation and enabling people trafficking.
Members of the public can submit immigration breaches or tips to [email protected] or anonymously using the online form on worc.ky.
To submit tips on breach of the Labour Act, people can call the confidential tip line at 345 (945-3073) or submit in writing by emailing [email protected]
