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Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) is reminding residents who hold Permanent Residence (PR) certificates that they are required to pay their annual fee or risk revocation of their PR status.

Up to 31 December 2021, 41 people had their PR status rescinded for non-payment. This followed the issuance of 53 warning letters advising PR holders to make delinquent payments or face the loss of their PR certificates.

“It’s important for permanent residents who hold PR certificates to remain in compliance with the requirements that come along with holding such a certificate. Permanent resident status should be respected, and seen as a privilege and not a right. When holders of PR certificates do not abide by the law, the certificate can be taken away. Making the required payment annually is the right thing to do to avoid revocation,” said Acting Interim Director of WORC Laura Watler.

All residents holding PR certificates are expected to comply with the country’s immigration laws by taking the necessary steps to ensure payment is made on or before the annual due date.

As per Sec. 51 (1) (m) of the Immigration (Transition) Act, (2021 Revision), individuals have up to 90 days after their annual due date to pay. After this time, they are issued “mindful to revoke” letters. If payment still remains outstanding, the letters are referred to the Cayman Status Permanent Residency Board or the Director of WORC, who have the authority to revoke permanent residency certificates for non-payment.

“I welcome this decision to address the longstanding issue of non-payment of Permanent Residence fees. It has been absolutely unfair to the many hardworking permanent residents of these Islands who have played by the rules and paid their annual fees faithfully every year to have people be delinquent and face no consequences,” said Hon. Chris Saunders, Deputy Premier and Minister for Border Control & Labour.

He said, “We understand that these are challenging times, but there are options available for those having difficulties. Ignoring the warning letters and not paying the fees at all is not the way to go.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Labour Hon. Dwayne Seymour said, “The non-payment of PR fees has been an issue since I was first elected to Parliament back in 2009, and I’m very pleased to see that it is being dealt with effectively and in accordance with our laws.”

Ms Watler thanked her staff at WORC for their vigilance. She said, “I am grateful for our teams who work diligently to verify and ensure compliance within our laws and the collaboration within sections to bring these delinquencies forward for enforcement.”

In addition to the annual fee payment, permanent residency holders are reminded of their obligation to submit annual declarations as mandated by Sec. 37(12) of the Immigration (Transition) Act, (2021 Revision). The PR holder’s failure to provide such declaration to WORC is both an offence and cause for revocation of the PR Certificate as well.

PR holders can make their annual payments in person by visiting the WORC office at Apollo House West, 87 Mary Street, George Town or by using the stand-alone payment portal accessible via www.worc.ky through the JobsCayman portal. Instructions on how to use the payment portal can be found on the website.