Moving to another country for work may seem like a very daunting task, however some of one's concerns can be addressed through doing the research and getting the facts. Now we know you're very busy, so we've decided to do some of the research for you.
For those who have always wanted to explore working in the Cayman Islands, we have posted some valuable information for you below. If you've ever wanted to live and work in Cayman, this blog post is for you! All information presented from where to look for jobs in Cayman Islands to work permit requirements have been gleaned from the Cayman Islands immigration website and other reliable Cayman based resources. We have given you real and legitimate information, so read, take notes and all the best on your job hunt!
Where to find a job in the Cayman Islands
Two largest sectors are the financial and tourism sectors, and companies in these sectors are always looking to recruit qualified and talented personnel.
Recruiting Process: Immigrant Workers
There are strict immigration policies in place in order to restrict entry into Cayman. To work in the Cayman Islands, you either have to invest in a business, or obtain a work permit. In order to obtain a work permit, you must first get a job with a Cayman business. You and the business must then submit the necessary documentation and fees.
Positions of employment must be advertised in the local newspaper, and Caymanians who respond will be given preference. Your potential employer has to be able to satisfy the Immigration Board that they have made reasonable efforts to fill the post with a Caymanian. This would include advertising the position at least twice in a newspaper approved by the Board. If no suitably qualified resident applies for the position, it may then be filled by a non-resident who fits the requirements of the post.
Anyone wishing to work in the Cayman Islands must first obtain a work permit, unless they are exempt. Please review the complete list of Exemptions for persons who do not require a work permit.
The following persons are exempt from the requirement to pay work permit fees:
- Spouse of a Caymanian
- Surviving spouse of a Caymanian who has not remarried a non-Caymanian
- Contracted Government employees
- Exempt Cubans
- Cayman Islands Monetary Authority employees
- Persons working for a non-profit cultural, educational or charitable body
- Teachers (licensed by the Cayman Islands Education Council)
- Ministers of Religion
- Cayman Islands Monetary Authority employees
- Contracted Government employees
Language Requirements
If a prospective employee is not a national of an English speaking country and they are already in the Cayman Islands they will be required to come to the Department of Immigration Headquarters to take an English test. Where such an employee is not yet in the Cayman Islands they will be required to take an English test upon arrival at the airport. If they are found not to possess a sufficient knowledge of the English language, they will be refused entry or, if they are resident here, may have their permission to remain or work permit revoked.
Medical Requirements
Where the person concerned will be working in the Cayman Islands for more than three months they will be required to undertake a medical examination (including HIV/VDRL tests) and submit a medical questionnaire at the time of applying for a work permit.
Medical examinations are required with the initial work permit application. Please note:
- The Medical examinations are valid for three (3) years
- Laboratory tests have to be repeated with each medical examination. The Laboratory Reports are valid for six (6) months
- Chest X-rays are required with the initial work permit application. Chest Xrays are valid for five (5) years
- Laboratory Reports have to be attached for HIV and VDRL tests
- Medical practitioners are advised to perform any tests that might be desirable depending on the disease prevalence in the respective countries
- The Medical Examinations Form must be signed and stamped or sealed by Physician
- The Laboratory Report must be signed and stamped or sealed by Lab Technician or Physician
- Immigration reserves the right to require additional medical examinations at any time
A work permit may be issued for any occupation for periods of up to six months (Temporary Work Permit), or longer (Annual Work Permit). Temporary work permits are issued by the Chief Immigration Officer; annual work permits are issued by either Chief Immigration Officer (or Work Permit Administrators designated by him), the Work Permit Board or the Business Staffing Plan Board depending on whether the employer in question is required to possess a Business Staffing Plan. The maximum period that a person may remain in the Cayman Islands on a work permit is nine years
Temporary Work Permit
An application for a Temporary Work Permit is made to the Chief Immigration Officer. Where the actual work is to be performed in Grand Cayman, the application must be submitted at the Department of Immigration Headquarters in George Town. Where the work will be undertaken in Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, the application must be submitted to the Department of Immigration at the Government Administration Building in Cayman Brac.
A Temporary Work Permit may be issued for periods of up to six months at the discretion of the Chief Immigration Officer and for all occupations. The work permit may not however be extended or renewed unless it was issued for a period of less than six months initially. If applying for an extension, a cover letter detailing why the extension is required in addition to the correct fees (temporary work permit fee and CI$70 application fee) and medical report if applicable.
Important note: a prospective employee may not normally be in the Cayman Islands when the application is submitted. The Chief Immigration Officer may only exercise his discretion to accept an application where the prospective worker is already in the Islands in exceptional circumstances. An applicant wishing to request the Chief Immigration Officer to exercise this discretion must provide a detailed justification for doing so in a letter covering the application.
How is an application made?
At the time of application an applicant, who can be either the employer or the employee, must submit:
- a fully completed application form
- the prescribed fee for the appropriate occupation or employment category
- a non-refundable application fee of CI$70
- a police clearance certificate, unless one has been provided in the previous six months
- where the Temporary Work Permit is to be valid for more than three months, a fully completed medical questionnaire AND a lab report showing HIV/VDRL test results. Note: HIV/VDRL lab reports are not acceptable from Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua. Prospective workers from these countries will be required to re-take the HIV/VDRL tests once in the Cayman Islands.
- two photographs of the prospective employee, one full-face and one profile:
b. The photograph must be in colour and taken within the past 12 months, full face (shoulders and above), with no head covering.
c. The photograph must a have a white background.
d. The photograph size should be between 45mm by 35mm (1.77 inches by 1.38 inches) and 63mm by 50mm (2.5 inches by 2 inches).
e. The photograph should be unmounted and printed on normal photographic paper.
f. The photograph resolution must be at least 800 dots per square inch. Blurred photographs will not be accepted.
g. Stick-on labels will not be accepted.
- employers who operate construction, gardening/landscaping or janitorial businesses must complete Form A.
If the application is approved, a letter will be sent to the applicant advising them of the decision and setting out the terms and conditions upon which the worker may work.
Important: the employee is not allowed to work for any employer or perform any other occupation than that or those listed in the Temporary Work Permit. Also, the permission of the employee to remain and work in the Cayman Islands ceases in the event that the Temporary Work Permit expires, is revoked, or if their employment is terminated.
If the application is refused, there is a right of appeal to the Work Permit Board.
Is it possible to have dependants included on a temporary work permit?
Yes. If a Temporary Work Permit is approved, any dependants listed on the application may, at the discretion of the Chief Immigration Officer, be included. It is also possible to apply during the currency of a Temporary Work Permit to add or remove dependants.
Is it possible to work for more than one employer on a temporary work permit?
If it is clear on the application that the Temporary Work Permit is to be shared by two or more employers, then this will be taken into account by the Chief Immigration Officer. It is also possible to apply for an amendment to the Temporary Work Permit during its currency to add or remove an employer.
If my employer has applied for a full work permit before the expiry of my temporary work permit may I continue to work whilst awaiting the outcome of the decision on the application?
Yes. Provided the employer applied for the grant of the full work permit before the expiry of the Temporary Work Permit you may continue to work for the same employer on the same terms and conditions until the outcome of the application (and any subsequent appeal to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal) is known. But if the application for the full work permit is submitted after the expiry of the Temporary Work Permit then you may not continue to work whilst awaiting the outcome of the application. As soon as the Temporary Work Permit expires you must report to the Department of Immigration Headquarters to request permission to remain as a visitor.
How to renew work permit.
Can the worker continue to work while awaiting the outcome of the renewal application?
Provided that the renewal application was submitted prior to the expiry of the existing work permit the worker may continue to work until the outcome of the renewal application, or, if it was refused, the outcome of any subsequent appeal to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal.
How long can I work in the islands on a work permit?
The maximum period that a person may remain in the Cayman Islands on a work permit is nine years. However, in the case of persons who before the law changes, were eligible for a ten year term limit and were employed in a prescribed occupation and industry, their term limit will remain at ten years. Work permits will therefore not be renewed beyond these dates. Please follow the links for specific information on the rules for term limits. Note: where the worker is married to another worker or a Government employee he may continue to hold work permits after the expiry of his term limit in certain circumstances.
For how long can my work permit be renewed?
Subject to term limit restrictions, work permits can be granted or renewed for up to three years generally, although workers can be granted work permits of up to five years if they work as a domestic helper, teacher, doctor, nurse or minister of religion. Similarly, a work permit for a person listed in a Business Staffing Plan Certificate may be granted or renewed for up to five years. For workers employed in a prescribed industry and occupation the work permit may be granted for, or renewed up to, a maximum of ten years.
CONTACT
Department of Immigration
Govt. of Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
(345) 949 8344
_____________________
References:
Where to find jobs in Cayman Islands - eCayOnline - Cayman Islands Jobs. https://www.ecayonline.com/cayman-islands-jobs.html
Dept. of Immigration - Work Permit Application and Requirements -
http://www.immigration.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/immhome/workinghere/workpermits
Dept. of Immigration - Temporary Work Permits - http://www.immigration.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/immhome/workinghere/workpermits/temporarypermits
Dept. of Immigration - Work Permit Renewal - http://www.immigration.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/immhome/workinghere/workpermits/annualpermitrenewals/annualwprenewalfaqs
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