Expert: Robert Clark - 7/28/2010

Question
Hi,

Myself and my fiancee are moving to Grand Cayman in December 2010 and I have a couple of questions...

My fiancee is looking for work on the island - probably just bar/restaurant work (at least initially) - do you think its possible to secure that type of work now, bearing in mind that we won't arrive until xmas?  is there any places he should definitely try approaching?
I was recommended to use the local newspapers to search the classifieds - do you know if the cayman compass website displays their classifieds as i can't find a link on their website.

Also, i have secured a transfer with the accountancy firm i work for and they will give us 2 weeks accomodation on arrival so we have time to find permanent accomodation...we are currently thinking of arriving on the island on december 23rd- do you know if letting agents will be open/willing to show properties in the days between xmas and new year?

thanks

Answer
Gillian
Congratulations on persuading your firm to allow you to transfer!

First of all, in theory your fiancee isn't allowed to visit the island with the expectation of trying to find a job.  see:
http://www.immigration.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1608,2524786%26_dad=portal%26_...
http://www.immigration.gov.ky/portal/page?_pageid=1608,2524540%26_dad=portal%26_...

You should ask your employer if your fiancee can be put down on your work permit application as a dependent.  However, Cayman is very Christian (puritanical) in attitude and usually only spouses or direct family can be listed as a dependent.

As you are arriving at peak season, I doubt that he is likely to find a job - all of the hospitality jobs would have been filled by October/November in preparation for the peak tourism season (Xmas - Easter, but things hot up from Pirates Week - 11th November onwards).

The Cayman Compass (http://www.caycompass.com) isn't very good at putting adverts online.  However, the other main paper, Cayman Net News (http://www.caymannetnews.com) is very good - you can see the full paper online every day.  The best day for classified adverts (including jobs, private property rentals, etc) is the Friday issue.

Finding a rental property over the Xmas period may be tricky.  Quite a few smaller firms in Cayman shut down between Christmas and the New Year.  Check out some of the links on my website at http://www.gotocayman.com/index.php?title=DirectoryE#Estate_agents_.28Real_Estat...

Good luck!

Robert
http://www.gotocayman.com