The Cayman Islands government has unveiled plans for sweeping reforms to the territory’s immigration laws and regulations, aiming to reshape the residency system and better align workforce policies with local needs.
Following last week’s introduction of new term limits for foreign civil servants, the coalition government revealed broader immigration changes on Thursday. Key proposals include revising the permanent residency (PR) points system to place greater emphasis on an individual’s community impact and making it more difficult for work permit holders to change jobs. Additionally, the reforms would grant authorities new powers to revoke residency and work permits tied to “marriages of convenience” and allow for the deportation of foreign workers who violate local laws.
These measures will be accompanied by the establishment of a national workforce database and a comprehensive workforce plan to better coordinate employment and training.
While the draft legislation is still under development, officials indicated that permanent residents holding Residency and Employment Rights Certificates will face longer waiting periods before applying for naturalisation. Furthermore, foreign workers seeking to add dependents to their permits will need to meet higher income thresholds, increasing from the current minimum monthly income of $3,500 for one dependent, plus $500 for each additional dependent.
Michael Myles, the new Minister for Immigration, confirmed that the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision) will be renamed the Caymanian Protection Act as part of the reforms. He described the modernization of immigration laws as “a critical step” toward empowering young Caymanians to transition more effectively from education to employment and career advancement.
“The contemplated changes to the immigration legislation represent our Government’s commitment to ensuring that no Caymanian, whether graduating locally or abroad, is left struggling to find employment,” Myles said. “We will better align training, education, and employment pathways, helping our people secure their rightful place in the workforce and driving the continued progress of our nation.”
Premier André Ebanks and Education Minister Rolston Anglin are collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce to form a working group tasked with developing an enforceable national workforce plan. The Chamber has long advocated for aligning education and training programs with the evolving needs of the Cayman economy.
“By creating the national workforce plan, we can establish formal requirements for our people to gain the necessary experience and qualifications to build successful careers within their country,” Premier Ebanks stated. “Ultimately, such an initiative will promote economic growth, reduce unemployment, and foster a more resilient and skilled national workforce.”
Education Minister Anglin emphasized the coalition’s commitment to dismantling longstanding barriers to information sharing, fostering genuine collaboration across education, training, employment, and immigration sectors.
Currently, the Caymanian unemployment rate stands at 4.9%, with the Economics and Statistics Office’s Spring 2024 Labour Force Survey reporting 1,142 Caymanians out of work. However, many locals express frustration over underemployment and limited career progression. Recent reports highlight young Caymanians pursuing opportunities abroad after encountering obstacles to advancement at home despite strong qualifications.
The proposed immigration reforms reflect the government’s broader strategy to enhance workforce development and support Caymanians’ economic prospects in an increasingly competitive job market.
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