Public Consultation Begins for Immigration Bill, 2025
The Immigration (Transition) (Amendment & Validation) Bill, 2025 (“the Immigration Bill”) was Gazetted on 17 October 2025 and is now open for public consultation. Persons can visit gov.ky/labour to review the Bill.
The publication of the Immigration Bill marks a decisive crucial point in national policy with the launch of sweeping immigration reforms designed to realign the system with the priorities of Caymanians, while preserving our competitiveness and social cohesion. After decades in which work-permit rules and status pathways remained essentially unchanged despite demographic, economic, and infrastructure pressures, the 2025 government and opposition manifestos converged around the urgent need for change.
Through the 37 clauses, the Immigration Bill seeks to address various matters; one of which is the timeframe during which a person married to or in a civil partnership with a Caymanian or a permanent resident has to hold their Residency and Employment Rights Certificate before they are able to apply for Naturalisation or an open-ended permanent residency. This timeframe has been extended to fifteen years. The aim of which is to cut-down on marriages of convenience. Information will be shared seamlessly with WORC and other necessary agencies to ensure that Caymanians are considered first for employment and to also inform decision-making on applications for permanent residency, Residency and Employment Right Certificate and Cayman Status. Also, in an effort to curb job-hopping and encourage stability within the labour market, work permit holders who change employers within the first two years of their employment must leave the Islands and cannot reapply for a work permit for a year. Exemptions from this requirement are available however under certain circumstances. These and other proposed changes are intended to refine aspects of the existing legal framework to ensure it remains responsive to evolving social and economic circumstances.
Minister for Caymanian Employment & Immigration, Hon. Michael Myles says, “Public consultation of a bill is a cornerstone of good governance. This process ensures that every voice is heard and that the Immigration Bill reflects the realities, needs, and aspirations of the people it will serve. By engaging with the public, we can craft a fair, transparent, and effective immigration system that upholds our national values and supports both our citizens and those who wish to contribute to our society.”
The consultation period starts from 17 October to 14 November 2025 and allows persons to review the proposed amendments and provide their feedback via email to immigrationconsultation@gov.ky.
