Are you thinking about a move to the Cayman Islands? If so, there are a few things you will need to consider first. One of the most important things we as recruiters need to look at when we receive an overseas candidate’s application is whether or not we will be able to obtain a work permit for them. There are strict immigration laws here in Cayman and it is because of this that we need to make sure a candidate meets our immigration requirements before we can progress with their application. For myself and Louise on the Trust, Admin and Support Services team it is more difficult to make sure a candidate meets these requirements, compared to say the accounting team where it is clear cut in so much as candidates need to have a professional designation in Accounting i.e. ACCA, CPA, CA.

Here are a few things that we look for in an offshore applicant:

•  For any of our positions we require candidates to have at least 3 – 5 years experience in a similar role.
•  Where possible candidates will have a professional designation that correlates to their experience, such as ICSA or STEP.
•  All candidates must be educated to University Degree level or higher.

Areas that could complicate your application:

•  Relocating with a large family – dependants have to be listed on your work permit and there is a certain salary threshold you will be expected to meet for every additional dependant you have in order to relocate.
•  Being an unmarried couple – your partner will need to have a work permit in their own right in order for them to remain in the country.
•  Commitments that can take time to relocate – such as selling a house.
•  Long notice periods of over 3 months
•  Lack of savings – relocation benefits have decreased since the recession and so making the trip offshore can be costly when you first arrive.

It is important to note that there are certain roles that it is almost impossible to recruit an overseas candidate for because of the high level of local candidates available in certain fields. An example of this could be an administrative role outside of Financial Services. If you have any further questions on this matter please do not hesitate to contact me on t.turrell@cmlor.com.