Government recruitment practice reiterated

Government ministries have been told they can only recruit foreign workers that are already working in the Cayman Islands in exceptional circumstances. The policy, which has been in existence for some time, was reiterated in a circular sent to government officers in January by Peter Gough, Deputy Head of the Civil Service. The circular stated that existing work permit holders can only be recruited after consultation with the Chief Immigration Officer and receipt of a letter of release from the current employer.

Government employees are currently exempt from the 7-year rollover policy. Many are seeing this move as an attempt to thwart any mass movement of work permit holders from the private to public sector.