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Compass News
Immigration changes reaction
The Cayman Islands Government is moving to align immigration rules for non-Caymanian civil servants with those in the private sector — and while the change is being welcomed, some say it may not go far enough.
A long-standing double standard in Cayman’s immigration policy is now under review. Starting 1 January 2026, non-Caymanian civil servants will face term limits — a policy that already applies to expatriates in the private sector.
Leading immigration lawyer Nick Joseph of Reside Cayman says the move is a step in the right direction, but believes it falls short.
Describing the current rules as “rules for thee but not for me,” Joseph argues that fairness demands consistent application of immigration laws — regardless of whether someone works in government or the private sector.
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Cayman Compass
Immigration lawyers weigh in on civil service rollover plan
Leading immigration lawyer Nick Joseph, of Reside Cayman, has welcomed plans to introduce term limits for expat civil servants, but says they don’t go far enough.
The government last week announced that, from 1 Jan. next year, it would be make non-Caymanian civil service employees subject to similar immigration rules as those that apply to work permit holders.
Noting the long-time disparity between the immigration rules for expats in the private sector and those employed by government, Joseph told the Compass, “I do think that basic fairness demands that we implement and maintain rules that are appropriate and proportionate and can be applied fairly and consistently to everyone.”
