By Joel Locsin /LBG, From GMA News

Filipinos seeking work in the Cayman Islands will now have to undergo an overseas English language testing as a requirement for their temporary or full work permit, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Friday.

But DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said she is confident Filipinos can easily pass the test, a requirement for prospective foreign employees who are not native English speakers.

“English is the second language of instruction in our schools and a language we use in the workplace. We are confident that our OFWs can pass the test easily,” she said.

The DOLE said there are presently about 2,684 Filipinos living and working in Cayman Islands.

Labor Attaché to the US Luzviminda Padilla earlier said the test, a new requirement of the Cayman Islands Department of Immigration (DOI), took effect on July 1.

Under this setup, prospective employees shall be required to undergo examination by one of the two recognized English Testing Centers before traveling to Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean Sea.

In the Philippines, the two testing centers are the International English Language Test (IELTS) and Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC).

Padilla said testing fees are determined by the testing center and shall be shouldered by the applicant, along with other arrangements.

“Workers taking the English language test must score within the following ranges to be able to secure their work permits: for IELTS – Band Score Level 6; and for TOEIC – Band Score Level B2. For countries with no accredited testing centers, applicants may be required to travel to Cayman Islands for testing,” she said.

Accreditation

Meanwhile, Baldoz reminded those taking the test to make sure their testing centers are accredited by the IELTS or TOEIC to avoid problems.

The DOLE said the tests taken before July 1, 2014, will be accepted provided the test results are not older than two years.

“Employers are responsible for advising their potential employees from non-English speaking countries of this requirement,” it said.

On the other hand, workers without available testing result/certification on hand may have to provide proof of having taken the test with either of the two selected testing centers in their country of origin.

The worker may also be prompted to state certain details of his/her results.

For more information, applicants may refer to www.immigration.gov.ky or to www.ielts.organdwww.ets.org/epn_directory for other details.

IMAGE: www.gotmesh.org