The Cayman Islands Government is proposing major changes to the country’s immigration law that would require businesses to advertise jobs for longer periods and provide stronger evidence that they have tried to hire Caymanians before turning to overseas workers.
The Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Bill 2025, now out for public consultation, introduces a series of measures designed to tighten the work permit process and reinforce Caymanian-first employment policies.
Under the draft law, all job vacancies must be listed for at least 21 days on WORC’s online portal and advertised for the same period in a local newspaper or other approved media.
The goal is to ensure Caymanians and permanent residents are given a genuine first opportunity to apply for positions before work permits are granted.
Applications will be assessed against the mandatory 21-day advertising and Caymanian-priority tests, and employers are expected to maintain records that show compliance.
Where those requirements are not met, it may weigh against the application.
Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration Michael Myles said the bill’s publication marks “a decisive, crucial point in national policy with the launch of sweeping immigration reforms designed to realign the system with the priorities of Caymanians, while preserving our competitiveness and social cohesion”.
The bill would also require employers to show that they can financially support any work permit holder who brings dependants to the islands.
This new “financial standing” test is intended to prevent hardship and ensure that salaries are adequate to support families.
Another significant change would limit job mobility for foreign workers.
Under the proposed amendment, new work permit holders would generally be required to remain with their first employer for two years, unless WORC grants an exemption.
A worker who leaves early would have to remain outside the islands for at least a year before being eligible for a new permit, except in cases where an exemption is approved.
The bill also includes measures to address marriages of convenience, introduces term limits for non-Caymanian civil servants, and validates certain past fees and fines collected by WORC.
“The government’s immigration reform is not reactive, it is responsible. It is built on consultation, accountability and collaboration,” the minister added.
“We have listened to employers, employees and citizens alike. And we will continue to refine this system to ensure it works for Caymanians and for the sustainable development of these islands.”
Public feedback will help shape the final version before it is debated in parliament.
The consultation period runs from 17 October to 14 November, and the public is encouraged to send comments to immigrationconsultation@gov.ky
