The Cayman Islands Government has extended some transition measures under its immigration reforms and increased compliance requirements for people who obtain Caymanian status through marriage or civil partnership.
The changes are outlined in an updated immigration reform guidebook published by the Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration on 18 June.
The revised guidebook replaces an earlier version issued on 19 May and updates guidance on reforms introduced under the Caymanian Protection Act, which took effect on 1 May.
One of the most significant changes affects people granted the ‘right to be Caymanian’ through marriage or civil partnership.
Under the updated guidance, those individuals must file annual declarations for the first seven years after obtaining Caymanian status.
The previous version of the guidebook required declarations for the first three years.
The guidebook states that failure to comply with the annual declaration requirement could result in the right to be Caymanian being revoked.
The ministry has also extended a grace period for employers adjusting to new work permit advertising rules.
Work permit grant and renewal applications submitted up to 30 June can continue to rely on the previous requirement to advertise vacancies for 14 days. Earlier guidance stated that the transition period would end on 21 May.
From 1 July, employers will be required to advertise positions for at least 21 days on both the Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman jobs portal and in a locally printed newspaper before submitting a work permit application.
The Caymanian Protection Act introduced a broad package of immigration changes when it came into force on 1 May.
Those reforms include longer pathways to obtaining the Right to Be Caymanian, new obligations for holders of residency and employment rights certificates, expanded information-sharing powers between government agencies and revised work permit requirements.
The updated guidebook also maintains compliance provisions affecting permanent residency holders, work permit holders and residency certificate holders.
According to the ministry, the reforms are intended to strengthen compliance, improve oversight and ensure opportunities and protections for Caymanians remain central to the immigration system.
The ministry said the guidebook forms part of an ongoing public education campaign and may be updated further as legislation and regulations continue to evolve.
