In this section we provide detailed information about working in the Cayman Islands and suggest how to go about finding jobs in Grand Cayman. We explain the work permit process and what sort of jobs are available. We then list companies that are often looking to recruit and give names and email contacts of the human resources managers. We also list law firms, accounting firms and recruitment agencies that can help you in your search for jobs in the Cayman Islands. Finally we list Cayman's employment numbers by industry.
The Cayman Islands is well known as both an international finance centre and a popular tourist destination. In keeping with this, employment opportunities are most prevalent in the financial services and tourism industries. Since most other industries exist mainly to service the needs of the local market (e.g. medical, construction, entertainment), other opportunities can be somewhat restricted. The Cayman Islands has an educated local workforce but there are inevitably more positions to be filled than there are qualified candidates. The bottom line is that if you are determined, patient and flexible you should be able to find something suitable regardless of your qualifications and experience.
For a multitude of reasons, including the continued growth and prosperity of the financial services and tourism sectors in the Cayman Islands and new immigration laws and policies that now only allow many expatriate workers to remain on the Island for seven years (please see the Immigration chapter for more information), the number of employment opportunities and vacancies on the Island are still high even factoring in the economic downturn.
EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
Strict work permit regulations exist to ensure that Caymanians and their dependants are given preference for any position and this can be something of a minefield for the uninitiated. The rules present some unique hurdles to the expatriate job-seeker, so a basic understanding of this process is required to put the employment market in context and avoid finding yourself in a position that is improvident at best and disastrous at worst.
Unless contracted to government, expatriates must hold a valid work permit in order to work and reside in the Cayman Islands. The administration of work permits is the responsibility of the Cayman Islands Government Department of Immigration (commonly referred to simply as “Immigration”). There is also an understandable emphasis on the training of local staff to ensure that they have an opportunity to develop their skills. The onus is on the employer to demonstrate to Immigration that the position cannot be filled by a Caymanian. In order to do so, the employer must first advertise the position locally and also register the vacancy with the Department of Employment Relations (which, among many other responsibilities, assists local people in finding employment). Only after all efforts to recruit locally have failed can the employer rightfully justify a work permit application. This process must be repeated periodically (usually bi-annually) depending on the employer’s circumstances.
Work permits can take several months to process. Temporary work permits (for one to six months) can be granted within a matter of days (if an express fee is paid) but are generally discouraged in favour of full (i.e. one year) permits and should therefore only be used when the circumstances justify it. There is also a seasonal workers permit which allows the employee to work for eight months.
Note that a work permit is granted for a specific position with a specific employer. This means that a work permit holder is not entitled to work in any other capacity or for any other employer on the Island and that any significant changes to the person’s role within the organisation must be approved by Immigration prior to this individual taking up this role.
If you want to take up employment with a different company on the Island your current employer must provide a letter to Immigration releasing you from your work permit. You should therefore be doubly sure that any position is right for you before committing to a long-term contract. Once in employment you should take some time to consider your situation before your employer applies for your work permit renewal, as you are effectively bound to them from the time of application until the expiry of the permit, unless the permit is cancelled at the employer’s request.
It is unlikely an employer will be granted a work permit unless a) the applicant is professionally qualified or very well experienced in a relevant field, or b) there is literally no interest in the position from the local workforce (which is actually fairly common). This creates something of a “Catch 22” for those expatriates without a professional qualification. The better the position, the higher the level of interest from the local workforce and the less likely it is that an expatriate will be granted a work permit.
There are certain occupations that understandably hold little appeal for Caymanian job-seekers. These are mainly positions that offer little job security, irregular or anti-social hours of work, or a somewhat unpredictable or unreliable income stream. Examples of such lines of work are office temping, nursing, construction, food and beverage service and most commission-based sales positions.
Immigration regulations dictate that individuals may not reside in the Islands while a work permit application is in process (the exception to this is named dependants – see below). This effectively means that you must either secure work before travelling, or plan to return home to await the outcome of your work permit application.
Note also that your spouse or children are not automatically entitled to reside in Cayman even if you hold a valid permit – he or she must be a named dependant on the permit and a separate application may be required. The Immigration Department will consider, along with other factors, your ability financially to support your dependants. A welcome change is that dependants can now be added to a temporary work permit. See the Immigration chapter for more information.
In 2004, the Cayman Islands introduced an immigration “roll over” policy which means that many overseas expatriate workers can only remain on the Island working and residing for a maximum of seven years, unless the individual has specialised skills and expertise that can be deemed as crucial (key) to the company.
It is now possible for all businesses (and mandatory for businesses that employ more than 15 expatriate workers) to submit a business staffing plan to Immigration. Once this business staffing plan has been reviewed, discussed and approved it allows a business to know the roles and occupations that they will be successful in obtaining work permits for. Should you be deemed and approved as a Key Employee you will be allowed to remain on the Island beyond the normal seven year term limit and this will allow you the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residency. The following positions within Financial Services have been automatically designated as Key Employee positions: (a) Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer or General Manager; (b) Equity Partner, Partner, Principal or President; (c) Senior Vice President; (d) Senior Account Executive; (e) Senior Account Manager; (f) Senior Manager; (g) Senior Fund Administration Manager; (h) Broker Dealer; (i) Investment Banker; (j) Investment Manager; (k) Trader; (l) Insurance/Reinsurance Manager; (m) Country Manager; (n) Senior in-House Counsel; (o) Chief Technology Officer/IT Director; (p) Chief Operating Officer; (q) Directors /Associate Director; (r) Reinsurance Underwriter; (s) Actuary; and (t) Insurance Claims Manager (captive industry – offshore only – not local/domestic).
A Key Employee application can be submitted at any time and in theory can be submitted prior to an employee actually arriving on the Island.
Finding a Job As previously mentioned, there are an endless number of employment opportunities available in the Cayman Islands and if you are residing overseas it can be very difficult to submit employment applications directly with local companies that are then taken seriously. Most companies on the Island receive a continuous and endless barrage of employment applications from overseas but very few are deemed to be genuine. The minefield of applying for employment on the Island is further complicated due to the requirement to advertise any position prior to a work permit application or annual renewal. A flick through the local classifieds may give a misleading picture of the job market. Employers are discouraged from giving any indication that the position may be a work permit renewal, as this can discourage local applicants. With well over 20,000 work permits in issue at any one time, many apparent vacancies will actually be in support of a prospective work permit application or renewal.
This makes trying to find a position by reading employment classifieds something of a-needle-in-a-haystack endeavour. For most job-seekers, responding to such ads should only be a part of a more proactive, direct strategy.
The most effective approach to finding good employment in the Islands depends on what type of role you are suited for and how soon you wish to relocate.
Financial Services Professionals Many positions exist for professionally qualified accountants, particularly those with investment or insurance industry experience (but this is by no means essential). The Cayman Islands recognises most Commonwealth and international accounting designations.
Due to the proliferation of choice for qualified accountants, it may be wise to consider registering with a Cayman Islands-based recruitment agency that has a thorough and in-depth understanding of the local market place. They will be able to advise you on the prospects and appropriate salary for someone with your experience and qualifications. Many of the largest financial services employers on the Island find most of their professional staff through recruitment agencies. Note that most agencies prefer to represent you exclusively and it is inadvisable (for various practical reasons) to sign up with multiple agencies.
Another advantage of using a recruitment agency is that they may be able to offer you a temporary contract (normally six months), whereas most firms expect a minimum two-year commitment for a permanent contract. Accepting a temporary contract is often the fastest way to come to the Islands and gain the kind of experience that makes you a marketable candidate.
Lawyers must generally have at least three years post-qualification experience in a British Commonwealth jurisdiction as well as previous financial services experience, preferably in mutual/hedge funds, insurance, insolvency, structured finance or commercial litigation. Again, contacting a reputable agency is a good way to assess the prospects and find out about current vacancies.
Other Skills & Professions For those with qualifications, skills or ambitions not related to financial services, finding good employment may require a little more research and legwork. Most reputable recruitment agencies will be able to point you in the right direction and some may have vacancies within your field, so it will be a matter of researching those agencies that may or may not be able to help you.
In addition, a good approach can be to use the internet or Yellow Pages, make a list of potential employers and simply write to them enclosing your resumé. For your cover letter, remember to include such important details as when you will be available, why you would like to relocate to the Cayman Islands, your marital status and your partner’s occupation (if applicable). Although these last two points might be considered personal and irrelevant details in most countries, many employers will be interested as this can be an indirect indication of the level of your commitment and stability as an expatriate worker. Note that most employers will not reply unless they have a suitable vacancy. It is good practice to follow up your resumé with a call to the Human Resources department to confirm receipt and enquire as to any current vacancies. This approach applies equally well whether you are seeking a position as a surgeon or cocktail waitress!
If you have a bachelor’s degree and a few years of office experience, you may want to consider office temping. This is a good way to make friends and contacts when you first arrive, which can prove to be invaluable in the search for good, permanent employment. Because you will be tied to the temping agency for the duration of your contract and work permit, you should do as much research as possible on prospective employers before signing up. A good agency will be able to provide references from current and past staff-members, together with contact details, which will allow you to confirm their authenticity yourself. For other specific industries the situation is as follows:
Construction: Management positions are usually filled from overseas simply because there are not enough qualified Caymanians to fill these positions. We recommend you find a list of the local construction companies in the Cayman Islands Yellow Pages and contact them directly. When a position comes available, they often go through the resumés they have on file and see if someone is qualified for the position. Please note that the construction industry has slowed significantly as a result of the recession and although there are a few private homes being built, it is commonly acknowledged that the industry is extremely quiet
CI Government: As with all civil service jobs, the Cayman Islands Government prefers people to apply directly and an official application form, along with your resumé and cover letter, must be submitted. See www.gov.ky/recruitment for jobs.
Electricians and Plumbers: To satisfy local laws, all electrical and plumbing workers need a local license to work in the Cayman Islands. Plumbers are licensed by the Plumber’s Examination and should contact the Water Authority about specifics of the process (www.waterauthority.ky). Electricians must satisfy the CI Electrical Board of Examiners that their qualifications meet the requirements of the Electricity Regulations. In all cases, a certified copy of your licence, trade references and a recommendation from your Cayman employer must be submitted along with your application. You will not receive a work permit until you have completed this process. Qualified MEP workers are best advised to contact local MEP companies directly to see if there are vacancies. A list can be found in the local Yellow Pages.
Grocery: The local grocery stores are often looking for staff. They would be happy to hear from you directly. The contact details for their HR departments are as follows: Foster’s Food Fair, PO Box 10400, Grand Cayman KY1-1004, HR department email: careers@fosters-iga.com or you can see their available jobs on their website www.fosters-iga.com/careers.htm. Kirk Supermarket, PO Box 10132, Grand Cayman KY1-1002, HR department email: HR@ksl.ky.
Hospitality Industry: Hotels and restaurants usually hire in September and October to fill positions in time for high season, which starts in December. Visit the Good Taste website at www.caymangoodtaste.com where you can contact the restaurants of your choice. They recommend you mail your resumé directly to them (you can also find a list in the Yellow Pages), and they will call to interview you over the phone if they are interested. Positions they usually need to fill include guest service agents, food and beverage servers and bartenders.
IT: There is not such a demand for expats in IT positions as Caymanians are very well qualified in this field. Having said that, positions are available in the software development and network administration fields but the roles will be for a limited time (possibly five years maximum) and you will be required to train a Caymanian. These positions are often filled through employment agencies. Expats would probably have more luck finding a job in a software consultancy firm rather than an in-house position in a large company. IT positions are often advertised in the local papers and quickly snapped up by qualified Caymanians. A Microsoft Certification is often required.
Teaching Positions: Teaching jobs within one of the government schools are advertised on the Ministry of Education’s website (www.education.gov.ky) between December and February every year (as well as in the Caymanian Compass newspaper). When you apply for a job, an official application must be submitted along with your resumé and a cover letter addressed to the Human Resources Operational Manager of the Ministry of Education, Training & Employment. Everything you need can be found on their website. For private schools, see the Education chapter and apply directly to each specific school.
Medical Field: The local hospitals, HSA and CTMH, are always looking for nurses and doctors. For the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) you can apply directly by emailing your resume and cover letter to hsjobs@hsa.ky or mailing it to PO Box 915, Grand Cayman KY1-1103 Attn: Human Resources Department. They have a website (www.hsa.ky) where they post jobs but it is currently (August 2011) not up to date. They reassure us it will be updated soon. The Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital is also happy to receive resumes directly. You can email Judy Ebanks on email: judyann@candw.ky or mail your resume to PO Box 273, Grand Cayman KY1-1104.
Office Support Staff: There is a high demand for corporate administrators and legal secretaries in support roles. These positions tend to be filled by employment agencies. Often an employment agency will hold a six month work permit for you that will then turn into a full-time position with a company you have temped for. There are a few PA positions and these positions are often filled by Caymanians. Support staff in accounting firms are often local.
Luxury Retail: The major recruiters in the retail field are Island Companies and Kirk Freeport. Both would be happy for you to contact them directly on careers@islandcompaniesltd.com and Kirk Freeport on work@kirkfreeport.net.
Sales: Many sales jobs in Cayman usually have a component which is commission based and consequently most Caymanians avoid these jobs. The best way to find a sales position is to make a few phone calls from your home country, introduce yourself and then send your resumé. The real estate companies and media houses are often hiring sales people.
Telecommunications: Staff are often hired locally and promoted from within. Some jobs do occasionally become available and recruitment is done through employment agencies and directly wherever possible. Caribbean Utilities: (the local electricity company) hires mostly locally. Of its 196 employees 93% are Caymanians. They are very pro-Caymanian and will always look to promote from within. They are an excellent example of a company very into investing in and developing their employees. If any jobs do become available it is usually in the very technical field. If you have the appropriate technical skills you may email your resume to CUC’s head of HR, Tania Ebanks, on tebanks@cuc.ky.
Other: Another corporation that might be looking for motivated people at the forefront of their field is Dart, which is developing Camana Bay. Visit www.dartenterprises.biz/careers.html to see open positions within Dart Enterprises and its subsidiaries.
Recruitment & Employment Agencies Affinity Personnel Solutions 150 Shedden Road, George Town PO Box 2198, Grand Cayman KY1-1105 Tel: (345) 943 2020 Fax: (345) 943 2022 Email: info@affinity.ky www.affinitycayman.com Specialising in: Permanent and Executive Recruitment Temporary Staff Assignments, Corporate Immigration Services Payroll and Benefit Administration and Corporate Event Planning.
Baraud International Recruitment Century Yard, Cricket Square PO Box 2040, Grand Cayman KY1-1105 Tel: (345) 945 1781 Fax: (345) 945 1782 Email: info@baraud.com
CML Offshore Recruitment Grand Pavilion Commercial Centre, West Bay Road PO Box 30237, Grand Cayman KY1-1201 Tel: (345) 949 1345 Fax: (345) 947 1775 Email: info@cmlor.com
Personnel 2000 1st Floor, Zephyr House, Mary Street PO Box 30924, Grand Cayman KY1-1204 Tel: (345) 945 8367 Fax: (345) 945 8601 www.personnel2000.com Specialising in: Executive Searches, Temporary Staffing, Immigration and Business Support Services, Job Placements, Career Assessment, Salary Analysis and Professional Resume Writing.
SteppingStones Recruitment & Training Ltd. 3rd Floor, Fidelity Financial Centre PO Box 10091, Grand Cayman KY1-1001 Tel: (345) 946 7837 Fax: (345) 946 7836 Email:jobs@steppingstonescayman.com www.steppingstonescayman.com Specialising in: Temporary Support Staff, Permanent and Executive Recruitment, Corporate Immigration Services, Payroll and Benefit Administration, Staff Training and Development.
Accounting & Auditing Firms BDO Bldg #3 Governors Square, Lime Tree Bay Ave PO Box 31118 Grand Cayman KY1-1205 Tel: (345) 943 8800 Fax: (345) 949 8801 Email: mail@bdo.ky
Deloitte 2nd Floor, One Capital Place, Shedden Road PO Box 1787, Grand Cayman KY1-1109 Tel: (345) 949 7500 Fax: (345) 949 8238 Email: cayman@deloitte.com
Ernst & Young Suite 6401, 62 Forum Lane, Camana Bay PO Box 510, Grand Cayman KY1-1106 Tel: (345) 949 8444 Fax: (345) 949 8529
Grant Thornton 5th Floor, Bermuda House, George Town PO Box 1044, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Tel: (345) 949 8588 Fax: (345) 949 7325
KPMG Century Yard, Cricket Square, George Town PO Box 493, Grand Cayman KY1-1106 Tel: (345) 949 4800 Fax: (345) 949 7164 Email: kpmg@kpmg.ky
PricewaterhouseCoopers Strathvale House 90 North Church Street, George Town PO Box 258, Grand Cayman KY1-1104 Tel: (345) 949 7000 Fax: (345) 949 7352
Rawlinson & Hunter Windward 1, Regatta Office Park, West Bay Road PO Box 897, Grand Cayman KY1-1103 Tel: (345) 949 7576 Fax: (345) 949 8295 Email: mail@rawlinson-hunter.com.ky
Rothstein Kass Certified Public Accountants 5th Floor, Cayman Corporate Centre 27 Hospital Road, George Town PO Box 1748, Grand Cayman KY1-1109 Tel: (345) 949 6333 Fax: (345) 946 9444
Legal Services & Attorneys-At-Law Appleby Clifton House, 75 Fort Street, George Town PO Box 190, Grand Cayman KY1-1104 Tel: (345) 949 4900 Fax: (345) 949 4901 Email: info@applebyglobal.com
Bodden & Bodden Attorneys at Law Grand Pavilion Commercial Centre PO Box 10335, Grand Cayman KY1-1003 Tel: (345) 943 0303 Fax: (345) 949 2335 Email: info@bcsl.ky
Campbells 4th Floor, Scotia Centre, George Town PO Box 884, Grand Cayman KY1-1103 Tel: (345) 949 2648 Fax: (345) 949 8613 Email: campbells@campbells.com.ky
Charles Adams Ritchie & Duckworth 2nd Floor, Zephyr House, 122 Mary Street PO Box 709, Grand Cayman KY1-1107 Tel: (345) 949 4544 Fax: (345) 949 7073
Diamond Law Associates Grand Pavillion, 802 West Bay Road PO Box 2887, Grand Cayman KY1-1112 Tel: (345) 769 9352
Harney Westwood & Riegels 3rd Fl, Queensgate House, 113 South Church St. PO Box 10240, Grand Cayman KY1-1002 Tel: (345) 949 8599 Fax: (345) 949 4451
Higgs & Johnson 5th Floor, Anderson Square, George Town PO Box 866, Grand Cayman KY1-1103 Tel: (345) 949 7555 Fax: (345) 949 8492
Maples and Calder Ugland House, South Church Street PO Box 309, Grand Cayman KY1-1104 Tel: (345) 949 8066 Fax: (345) 949 8080 Email: info@maplesandcalder.com
Mourant Ozannes 2nd Floor, Harbour Centre, George Town PO Box 1348, Grand Cayman KY1-1108 Tel: (345) 949 4123 Fax: (345) 949 4647
Nelson & Company 31 The Strand, 46 Canal Point Drive PO Box 2075, Grand Cayman KY1-1105 Tel: (345) 949 9710 Fax: (345) 945 2188
Ogier 4th Floor, 89 Nexus Way, Camana Bay PO Box 1234, Grand Cayman KY1-9007 Tel: (345) 949 9876 Fax: (345) 949 9877
Priestleys Attorneys at Law Unit 11, Galleria Plaza, 638 West Bay Road PO Box 30310, Grand Cayman KY1-1202 Tel: (345) 946 1577 Fax: (345) 947 0826
Ritch & Conolly 4th Fl, Queensgate House 113 South Church Street PO Box 1994, Grand Cayman KY1-1104 Tel: (345) 949 7366 Fax: (345) 949 8652 Email: info@rc.com.ky
Samson & McGrath 5th Floor, Genesis Building, George Town PO Box 446, Grand Cayman KY1-1106 Tel: (345) 949 2740 Fax: (345) 949 0073 Email: info@samsonandmcgrath.com
Solomon Harris 3rd Floor, First Caribbean House, George Town PO Box 1990, Grand Cayman KY1-1104 Tel: (345) 949 0488 Fax: (345) 949 0364 Email: info@solomonharris.com
Stenning & Associates Unit 8, Thompson Building 58 Mary Street, George Town PO Box 901, Grand Cayman KY1-1103 Tel: (345) 945 0220
Stuarts Walker Hersant Attorneys at Law 4th Floor, Cayman Financial Centre 36A Dr. Roy’s Drive, George Town PO Box 2510, Grand Cayman KY1-1104 Tel: (345) 949 3344 Fax: (345) 949 2888 Email: info@stuartslaw.com
Thorp Alberga 2nd Floor, Harbour Place 103 South Church Street PO Box 472, Grand Cayman KY1-1106 Tel: (345) 949 0699 Fax: (345) 949 8171
Turner & Roulstone 3rd Floor, Strathvale House 90 North Church Street, George Town PO Box 2636, Grand Cayman KY1-1102 Tel: (345) 943 5555 Fax: (345) 943 9999
Walkers Walker House, 87 Mary Street Grand Cayman KY1-9001 Tel: (345) 949 0100 Fax: (345) 949 7886 Email: info@walkersglobal.com

Copyright 2011 The Resident Magazine 2012. All rights reserved. Acorn Publishing Co, PO Box 31403, Grand Cayman KY1-1206, Cayman Islands, Tel: (345) 946 3200 Fax: (345) 946 2830 Email:info@acorn.ky
