Immigration Reform - Ministry of Caymanian Employment Immigration
Understanding Immigration Reform
Ministry Partnership Creates Pathways for Caymanians
The Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration is pleased to share the positive results of its recent partnership with ONE | GT, following the completion of a six-week programme aimed at helping Caymanians access employment opportunities
Minimum Wage Amendment Order 2025 Published
The Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration (MCEI) advises the public that the Labour (National Minimum Basic Wage) (Amendment) Order, 2025, which establishes the new national minimum wage, has been published
Open House Highlights Tourism & Hospitality Workforce
The Ministry of CEI has engaged in a series of workforce initiatives that are expanding Caymanian participation across Tourism and other key sectors of the national economy following the Tourism & Hospitality Open House.
Seventeen New Labour Tribunal Appointments
The Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration (MCEI) advises the public that Cabinet has approved the appointment of new members to the Labour Tribunal, in accordance with Section 74 of the Labour Act (2021 Revision).
Three-Month Sentence for Forged Documents Offences
Authorities have secured a conviction resulting in a three-month prison sentence for an individual who pleaded guilty to multiple counts of possessing forged documents.
Cabinet Approves New National Pensions Board
The Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration (MCEI) has announced that Cabinet has approved the appointment of members to the National Pensions Board.
Public Warned of False Immigration Service Providers
The Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration (MCEI) in partnership with the Ministry of District Administration and Home Affairs (MDAHA) are aware of recent reports involving individuals fraudulently offering immigration services to members of the public.
WORC Announces Updated Requirements for Online Portal
Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) advises all employers and job seekers of important updates to advertising and recruitment feedback requirements on the WORC Online portal that will take effect on November 1, 2025.
Public Consultation Begins for Immigration Bill, 2025
The Immigration (Transition) (Amendment & Validation) Bill, 2025 (“the Immigration Bill”) was Gazetted on 17 October 2025 and is now open for public consultation.
The Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2025, represents a significant reform to immigration policy and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to placing Caymanians at the centre of the nation’s immigration framework.
The Act updates and refines aspects of the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision) to ensure the immigration framework remains responsive to social and economic conditions and is administered with clarity, consistency and accountability.
This campaign hub provides official information on the purpose of the Act, what it covers, what it does not cover, and how the changes are being implemented.
Why Was the Law Updated
The Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2025 supports a balanced and well-managed approach to immigration by:
- Strengthening the effective administration of the immigration system
- Reducing reliance on temporary permissions as long-term solutions
- Better aligning immigration with Caymanian employment and workforce planning
- Strengthening information sharing and coordination across Government
- Supporting long-term social and economic sustainability
The amendments enable more effective administration of immigration matters, including clearer handling of applications, compliance, and information sharing between relevant authorities.
What the Act Covers
The Act includes targeted amendments relating to:
- Work permits
- Residency and Employment Rights Certificates (RERC) and Permanent Residency
- Caymanian status, including administrative and acknowledgement processes
- Financial standing and declaration requirements
- Information sharing and administration across Government for immigration-related purposes
- Commercial Farmhand Certificates
View the fact sheet for more information.
These changes are intended to support consistent decision-making and coordinated administration across the immigration system.
What the Act Does Not Cover
The Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2025 does not introduce changes to the Permanent Residency points-based framework. Any such changes will be considered as part of future legislative amendments.
Transitional Provisions and Application of the Law
The Act includes transitional provisions to provide clarity on how the law applies:
- Applications and appeals submitted before commencement will be determined under the law that applied at the time of submission.
- Work permits that are valid when the new law starts remain valid until they expire.
- Permanent Residency and Residency and Employment Rights Certificates (RERCs) that are valid when the new law starts remain valid until they are lost or cancelled.
- Caymanian status provisions do not apply to individuals who already hold relevant valid permissions or exemptions under the current law.
FAQs
Explore the answers to frequently asked questions.
Additional Resources
To view more MCEI news published before May 2025, visit our Archives.
