Expert: Robert Clark - 3/12/2010

Question
Hi,
  I have booked flights to visit family in Grand Cayman on 14th April but my boyfriend and I now have plans to stay there. His sister lives on the island and has offered us her home to live in. We really want to do this but are constantly being put off by people saying that we will struggle to find work as the tourist season is coming to an end in April.

I was just wondering what the liklihood would be of finding a job say if we gave ourselves a month to do it once on the island? The area of work we both want to go into is bartending/waitressing. I have emailed a number of bars and have many replies saying to meet them once on the island.

If you could offer any advice at all it would be much appreciated. I'm finding the whole process quite confusing.

Thankyou

Answer
Stephanie
Strictly speaking, I believe that it is illegal to seek/work on a job if you are entering as a tourist.  Your immigration entry stamp is usually set at about 30 days (depending on the return date on your air ticket), but this can be extended by up to six months by visiting the immigration department in George Town.  

As you have highlighted, it is coming to the end of the peak tourist season, so I doubt that the hotels/bars/restaurants will be recruiting now, but you never know your luck.
If you do find a job, then you are meant to be off-island whilst your work permit is processed, but I think that sometimes this rule is waived if it is only for a temporary work permit (maximum six months).  The employer applies for this on your behalf, but part of the application should include a medical and police report, so make sure that you can have these or can get hold of these at short notice.  Note that the application for a full work permit can take several months to complete.  Work permits can usually only be renewed up to a maximum of seven years.

Note also that each of you would have to apply for work permits in your own rights - girlfriends/boyfriends cannot be listed as dependents on the others work permit application.

There is good information on this at the NewResident website at http://www.caymannewresident.com/page_id_5.html


Good luck!
Robert
http://www.gotocayman.com