Expert: Robert Clark - 2/22/2011

Question
Hi Robert,

My name is Damian, I'm now actually working in Italy, I got experience in Accounting working for one of the big four (4 years), two years ago i was preparing everything to came to Cayman Islands, but the crisis give me a good motivation for wait a little bit more, now the things are not the best but i think is better than a couple of years ago.
I speak italian, spanish and english, i have experience to sell, and i know in the island there are a lot of office. My question is always the same, but in a little way different, I'm not so interested in the salary, but more focus on the knowledge and find a job. What do you think about the time i have to spend in the island for find something? is there any possibilities to don't find a job after a couples of months??
I'm really thinking about go there or go to UK, i would prefer Cayman Islands, is finance everywhere,

Regards.

Answer
Damian
Cayman is really suffering from a recession at the moment; businesses are closing down, increase in unemployment, etc.  There are some new business opportunities, but I know two people who have been on the island for over 20 years who are now considering leaving as the situation is so bad.

First of all, you are not (in theory) allowed to visit the island if you are looking for a job.  You would have to find one (remotely), and wait whilst the employer applies for a work permit.

Before an expat can be offered a job, the employer has to demonstrate that there aren't any Caymanians to fill the vacancy.  This is usually done by advertising in the local newspapers (http://www.caycompass.com).  I would think you would either have to take out a subscription to them, or contact an employment agency to assist you in this.  Check out the information on my website at http://www.gotocayman.com

Good luck!
Robert