Cabinet Passes Regulations To Exempt Certain Classes Of Workers From Work Permit Requirements
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By Alric Lindsay
Based on a publication in the Cayman Islands Gazette dated September 18, 2025, the Cabinet passed regulations stating that the work permit requirements under the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision) will not be applicable for certain classes of non-Caymanian persons being recruited or reappointed by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (the “Authority”). The exemption will initially remain in effect until December 31, 2028.
Regarding the specific classes of persons, the Immigration (Transition) (Monetary Authority Work Permit Exemption) Regulations state as follows:
… the following classes of persons are prescribed as persons to whom Part 7 of the Act does not apply in respect of employment with the Monetary Authority —
(a) a non-Caymanian person who is recruited by the Monetary Authority to a position senior to that of analyst within the Monetary Authority; and
(b) a non-Caymanian person who is already employed by the Monetary Authority and is re-appointed to a position, or appointed to another position, senior to that of analyst within the Monetary Authority.
Implications
The new regulations may afford the Authority greater operational independence when seeking to locate and appoint highly trained individuals for key regulatory roles.
It is possible that other statutory authorities and members of the private sector may now apply to the Cabinet for similar exemptions.
Note to readers:
Under section 53(1)(b) of the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision), the Cabinet may exempt any person from work permit requirements. Based on a recent UK Privy Council judgment, this section also applies to persons who failed to obtain sufficient points under the points system to obtain permanent residence. They may submit an application to the Cabinet to waive work permit requirements and remain in the Cayman Islands.
Under section 53(1)(e), the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision), work permit rules do not apply to “such other class or classes of persons as may, from time to time, be prescribed.”
Under section 72 of the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision), the Cabinet may make regulations generally for administering the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision), and for giving effect to its objects, purposes and intentions, or with respect to any matter or thing by or under that Act that may be or is to be prescribed.
The Immigration (Transition) (Monetary Authority Work Permit Exemption) Regulations were passed under section 53(1)(e) and 72 of the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision). A full copy of these regulations is below:
