Immigration Bill, 2026 Amendments Addressed in Parliament

9 March 2026 | Press Release | By: Martha Connolly

The Cayman Islands Government has introduced a series of amendments to the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision). The amendments aim to improve administrative efficiency, clarify longstanding practices, and provide greater certainty for thousands of Caymanians. 

The proposed amendments were identified following the approval of the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2025 in December 2025. 

The amendments include:

  • Allowing persons who previously submitted applications for the right to be Caymanian under section 37 of the Immigration legislation to have their applications viewed under the law at the time when they made their submission.
  • Allow Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) to offer expedited processing fees for grant applications, and formally place the legal framework in place to allow for the collection of expediated fees for Temporary Work Permit applications.
  • Formalising in law the longstanding administrative practice recognizing individuals born in the Cayman Islands between 1 January 1969 and 26 March 1977 as Caymanian by virtue of their birth. This change will ensure that approximately 2,618 individuals born during that period will no longer be required to apply to the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board or the Director of WORC to confirm the same

Minister for Caymanian Employment & Immigration, the Hon. Michael Myles, said, “the amendments are necessary to close several gaps identified following the passage of the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2025 which was approved in December 2025.”

He continued saying, “I want to thank the Government for moving quickly to address these matters to ensure the law operates as intended. These changes are imperative to guarantee that the deficiencies that have been outlined are dealt with in a prudent and swift manner, while maintaining the integrity and clarity of our immigration framework.”

The amendments contained in the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2026, together with the amendments passed in the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2025 in December 2025, are intended to commence simultaneously to ensure clarity, consistency, and a smooth transition in the application of the law.

The Government therefore anticipates that all relevant provisions will come into force at the same time, with a proposed commencement date as early as 2 April 2026, subject to the completion of the necessary legislative processes.

To review the amendment to the immigration legislation, visit https://gov.ky/web/mcei/immigrationreform or gov.ky/mcei

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