The Cayman Islands Government is reviewing proposed pension and labour reforms following consultations with employers and other stakeholders in September and October.
The Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration (MCEI) held a series of meetings to gather feedback on proposed legislative changes and assess how immigration reforms introduced on 1 May are working in practice.
Immigration minster Michael Myles said in a press release on 12 October that the consultations will help the government assess the effects of its policies on workers and businesses.
“These discussions allow us to hear directly from those affected by our policies and understand what is working and where improvements may be needed,” he said.
“Our goal is to ensure that reforms protect workers, support Caymanian employment opportunities and remain practical for businesses.
“Stakeholder feedback is an important part of getting that balance right.”
Discussions on pensions focused on enrolment requirements, possible exemptions and eligibility periods for non-Caymanian employees to receive pension contributions.
The meetings followed more detailed presentations on proposed pension legislation amendments earlier in the summer.
Labour reform discussions covered 14 proposed changes across four areas – leave, pay and entitlements; coverage and employment records; termination, severance and redundancy; and governance.
Stakeholders generally supported measures to strengthen employee protections and improve compliance but raised concerns about administrative requirements, costs for smaller businesses and the need for clearer guidance.
Feedback also covered the 21-day advertising requirement for work permit applications, pension eligibility periods and employment-related processes.
The advertising requirement is subject to exemptions under an updated immigration guide issued by the Ministry of Border Control, Labour and Culture on 18 August.
Positions involving personal employers, including domestic helpers, caregivers, nannies, butlers, gardeners, handymen and farm hands, are exempt from mandatory advertising on the Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) Jobs Portal or in a local newspaper.
Pastors and ministers of religion are also exempt, as are positions for which the WORC director or relevant board has approved an advertising waiver before a work permit application is submitted.
The guide says advertising remains encouraged where feasible, even when a position qualifies for an exemption.
The ministry will review the submissions to refine proposed pension and labour amendments and determine whether changes to immigration policies or processes are needed.
In the press release, it said stakeholder engagement will continue as it works on policies affecting employees and employers.
