GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – The Cayman Islands Department of Immigration’s (DOI) Enforcement Division continues operations to tackle illegal immigration and bolster compliance with the country’s immigration laws.

Through proactive patrols and proactive operations, DOI officers enforce the law to enhance public safety, border security and the integrity of the immigration system.

During recent operations conducted in the last two weeks, enforcement officers made six arrests and carried out spot-checks on 49 individuals.

On 18 April 2018, officers orchestrated 24 targeted spot-checks in the Eastern Avenue area of George Town on suspicion of individuals holding permits of convenience.

Acting Chief Immigration Officer, Gary Wong, said all persons questioned possessed valid authority and were found to be in compliance with the Immigration Law.

On 19 April 2018, 12 spot-checks were conducted in the South Sound and Walkers Road area of George Town. Of the 12 persons, two were arrested for suspicion of working outside of terms and conditions of a work permit.

On 25 April 2018, 13 spot-checks were carried out in the Eastern Avenue area of George Town resulting in two persons arrested on suspicion of holding permits of convenience. Another operation was also conducted at a business on allegations of persons working without a permit, although no offence was detected by officers at the establishment.

On 26 April 2018, DOI Enforcement and Customs Officers engaged in a joint operation to effectively and safely conduct a search at a construction site in the South Sound area. With the added assistance of Customs’ K-9, officers initiated a search for a person suspected of overstaying and burglary that is wanted by the RCIPS.

“The Enforcement Division will continue to pursue, arrest, and remove persons from the Islands where circumstances warrant,” Mr. Wong added. “We encourage compliance with the Immigration Law by both employees and employers, and welcome the continued support that we receive from the public in the provision of confidential tips. Our enforcement teams will continue to use a combination of patrols, targeted operations and act on information received from the public.”

Anyone with information about immigration-related offences is urged to contact the confidential information hotline at 1-800-Legalim (1-800-534-2546), or email [email protected]

For the official Cayman Islands Government web portal, www.gov.ky

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IMAGE: FILE