English language testing required for OFWs bound for Cayman Islands

Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and President Benigno Aquino III. Photo courtesy of Malacanang Photo Bureau.

MANILA — Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz reported yesterday that prospective foreign employees bound for Cayman Islands who are not native English speakers shall be required to take an overseas English language testing as a condition for the issuance of their temporary or full work permit.

In a report to Secretary Baldoz, Labor Attaché to the U.S. Luzviminda G. Padilla said the new requirement of the Cayman Islands Department of Immigration (DOI) took effect on July 1, 2014. Henceforth, prospective employees shall be required to undergo examination by one of the two recognized English Testing Centers from the workers’ own country prior to traveling to Cayman Islands.

The two testing centers are the International English Language Test (IELTS) and Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), each of which has test centers operating in many countries, including the Philippines.

According to Padilla, testing fees are determined by the testing center and shall be shouldered by the applicant, as well as 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 added.

Baldoz expressed confidence that the requirement will not pose a difficult hurdle for Filipinos.

“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.

However, Baldoz advised those taking the test to make sure their testing centers are accredited by the IELTS or TOEIC to avoid problems with their work permit applications.

The Cayman Island said tests taken prior to 1 July 2014 will be accepted provided that 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.

For prospective employees with no available testing result/certification on-hand, applicants are required to provide proof of having taken the test with either of the two selected testing centers in their country of origin and based on the particular test center used — as specified on the application form — the worker will be prompted to state certain details of his/her results. This requirement placed as a condition of their temporary or full work permit must be satisfied prior to their arrival in Cayman Islands.