Expert: Taura Ebanks - 11/16/2011

Question
Hello Ms. Ebanks,
I have been waiting for your return to ask this question, as I have not been able to find the information anywhere! (BTW: I hope you vacation was lovely!)
I have done some very extensive research over the last 6 months on relocating to Cayman from Canada. We visited Cayman in the summer and found a home for our family. We hope to arrive on-island by the end of December 2011. My husband and I are both professionals with 2 small children. I am a Public Servant here in Canada (just to give you some background). I have had two phone conference interviews with 2 separate CI Government agencies and I should hear back by next week or thereafter.
My question is this: I understand the "roll-over" policy, the work permit system and the changes that Cayman is currently going through. I also understand that CI Government employees are "exempt" from being required to have a work permit, but what does that exactly mean? Especially in terms of residency. I hope to make Cayman our permanent home after some time, when/if we qualify for that application process.
If I were to accept a position with the CI Government, does that take care of the immigration for my family as well (i.e.: Spouse will have the right to work, children can attend school, etc.)? I have scoured the CI Immigration website and other Internet resources, but have yet to find a definitive answer.
I contacted the CI Immigration dept. on 3 separate occasions and was appalled by the service I received by phone! One agent actually hung up on me when I attempted asked some questions about documentation required to register my school aged child in private school. The answer I received was “if you’re a visitor, NO…” I wasn’t even able to offer some background information in order to make myself clear.
My husband made some significant contacts when we were on-island in the summer and he has been told to follow-up again when he is physically on-island again. We are both prepared to arrive as “visitors” and exit during the WP process as necessary.
The bottom line is that we wish to come to Cayman, have means to support ourselves for a significant period of time (not forever, mind you!), but would like to find employment and contribute to Cayman as residents. We fell in love with Cayman and want to raise our family there. The people we met back in the summer where beyond helpful and kind (most memorable was the cashier at Blackbeard’s on West Bay Rd that took the time and offered us an abundance of information on pretty much everything! Such a sweet lady!)
Thank you in advance for your time! I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Answer
Hi Justine,

Apologies for the delay in responding.

If I were to accept a position with the CI Government, does that take care of the immigration for my family as well (i.e.: Spouse will have the right to work, children can attend school, etc.)? I have scoured the CI Immigration website and other Internet resources, but have yet to find a definitive answer.

Unfortunately my observations lead me to believe that there is no clear defined response to give you.  I find that sometimes the resources representing the C.I. Government are either uneducated to the laws, criteria or simply don't care to do a well enough job to get an accurate response.

I agree with the suggestion to follow up when you arrive on island (I'd happily call them for you, but depending on who you speak to will give you different answers and from personal experience, their websites NEVER have accurate, current or relevant information)

If it's something you are very serious about, I'd involve a lawyer with Immigration background as it may be a very straight forward item or something that requires more research.

Re: "I contacted the CI Immigration dept. on 3 separate occasions and was appalled by the service I received by phone! One agent actually hung up on me when I attempted asked some questions about documentation required to register my school aged child in private school. The answer I received was “if you’re a visitor, NO…” I wasn’t even able to offer some background information in order to make myself clear."

I am sorry to hear that you had that experience and want to apologize. This is not the way Caymanians were raised and it has clearly become a challenge for some of my fellow Caymanians to remember what our culture is really about.

If you do come down during Christmas, I hope everything is sorted for you (take names, dates and times and where possible get information in black and white when it's given)

Sorry I can't help more.

Thanks,

Taura
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