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The latest Cayman Compass newspaper hit the shelves just hours ago, and we’ll have a sneak peek for you every Friday morning in our Paper Preview. This week, we’re getting the inside scoop from Cayman Compass journalist, Norma Connolly.
| 00:06:17
Cayman Compass
Manifesto Watch: Reforming immigration amid an ever-growing population
In a country with more than 37,000 expatriate work-permit holders, as well as growing numbers of permanent residents and Caymanian status holders, politicians have placed immigration reform high on their agendas.
This isn’t surprising, considering immigration is not exactly a standalone issue – it touches on numerous elements, including management of population growth, infrastructure to meet that growth, workforce development, shortages of affordable housing, education and social assistance needs, minimum wage considerations, and a host of others.
By Spring of 2024 – the latest estimated figure available from the government’s Economics and Statistics Office – the population of Cayman was 87,886, and growing, with Caymanians now in the minority. At that time, there were 39,897 Caymanians and status holders combined, with 47,969 work-permit holders and permanent residents. According to the Ministry of Labour, as of 31 March this year, there were 37,095 work-permit holders on island.
