The responsibility for carrying out English language tests has been removed from the agency that deals with employment and work permits following a recent corruption investigation
Officials at Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) announced yesterday that the agency will no longer administer language proficiency tests for applicants who are not native English speakers as of October 14, but instead these tests will be outsourced.
It is the policy of the Cayman Islands government that immigrant workers must have a basic understanding of English to ensure they are able to perform their work duties effectively, manage themselves and their families, and assimilate quickly into the community. Historically, WORC has carried out the testing in-house but the change in policy follows the conviction of five immigration officers in an anti-corruption trial earlier this year. The officers were accused of tampering with the results of Spanish-speaking applicants to enable them to meet the minimum competency necessary to pass the test. Three of the immigration officers, along with a civilian, were convicted of conspiracy. Two officers were convicted of failing to report a bribe.
Test results will now be accepted from one of two internationally-recognised examination centres: International English Language Test Systems or the Test of English for International Communication.
