GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman (CNS) -- The immigration department has introduced a new service to give customers an idea of waiting times for a given service ahead of their visit to the office in Elgin Avenue and is also offering a free wifi service while they wait to see an immigration officer to make dealing with one of government’s busiest offices a little less painful.
The department is also now accepting debit and credit card payments in addition to the previous methods of cash and cheque.
The department said in a release that its service offerings now include online access to view waiting times for services at the front counter. Customers can log onto www.immigration.gov.ky and click on the button “Immigration Online” to sign up and check the anticipated waiting time for a particular service at the public counter.
“We are cognizant that, at times, waiting can be lengthy, so the wifi access has been provided to customers for their personal use and has been a great success,” said Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Samantha Bennett. ”We are currently working on additional areas where we can make the customer service experience a pleasant and efficient one, and we will strive to make additional improvements in early 2016.”
Acting Chief Immigration Officer Bruce Smith said the initiatives would bring greater value to the customer experience and a move in the direction of positive change generally. From a staffing development perspective, increased numbers of staff from various sections of the department have been introduced to, and are actively participating in, internal cross-training.
“The aim of widening this initiative is to foster a culture of flexibility and personal development, enabling staff to respond to fluctuating workflows and the seamless delivery of service to customers, even in times of staff capacity shortfalls,” Smith added.
English Language tests for work permit applications can now be booked by telephone and email, eliminating the need to visit the office in person to schedule such an appointment. This can be arranged through the Immigration Call Centre on (345) 949-8344 or on englishtestdoi@gov.ky.
Immigration is also reminding the public that the office has extended opening hours on Wednesday evenings, from 4pm to 7pm.