Expert: Drew Wilmoth - 6/21/2008

Question
i have recently had an interview with a company and was wondering the medical requirements when moving to grand cayman, i understand blood tests need to be taken but i was wondering what can immigration and work permits be declined for medical reasons? i wanting to ensure that i do not accept any job before finding out i will not be acccepted
regards
Anthony

Answer
When a potential employer makes an offer of a job in the Cayman Islands to a non-Caymanian, the offer must be conditional on a successful application for a work permit. The employer must submit various forms to the Immigration Department for processing of the permit application, including results of a medical examination on the applicant.

The medical exam is to be completed by a licensed physician and the results entered on the proscribed form. Required information includes a general assessment of the applicant's health as well as certain specific tests.

A blood test is required and results of HIV and VDRL (a test for syphilis) tests must be entered on the form.

A chest X-Ray is commonly required. Particular concern is paid to any indication of tuberculosis (TB), though any other obvious medical problems may be a concern.

Refusal of a work permit purely based on the results of a medical examination is rare. Many chronic health conditions are not grounds for refusal of a work permit unless the health condition would prevent you from performing the duties of the job.

However, positive results of an HIV, VDRL, or TB test would likely be grounds for refusal. Any indication of an untreatable contagious illness or a serious mental health condition would also likely result in refusal to grant a work permit.

Specifically, chronic conditions such as diabetes or sickle cell anemia are not normally grounds for refusal of a work permit on medical grounds.