(CMR) Are you returning on a work permit during the COVID-19 pandemic? The government has now fully explained how this process will work and what is to be expected of returning workers. It was announced last weekend that returning workers will be expected to pay for their own mandatory isolation stay at a local hotel.
Here's what you need to know:
The travel helpline is transitioning from the Governor’s Office to CBC and the processes are being revised. However, in the interim, the process for persons seeking to return to the Cayman Islands is as follows:
– Persons must register their intent to travel to the Cayman Islands by contacting the Emergency travel desk via web: https://www.exploregov.ky/travel, email: [email protected] or phone: +1 (345) 244-3333.
– Requests for permission for work permit holders and non-Caymanians to travel to the Cayman Islands are considered and decided on by the Deputy Premier’s Office.
Approvals are subject to a number of considerations:
1. Confirmation that the employee works for a company that has resumed business and that the physical presence of the employee is essential and required;
2. Checks will need to be done to ensure that the employee’s permit is active, has sufficient time left on their work permit, and that the employer is in good standing with business licenses, relevant health ins. premiums etc;
3. Confirmation there is adequate capacity at the Government-run isolation facilities to house the employee on arrival;
4. The availability of flights;
5. If the employee is deemed eligible to return, the employer must confirm that they will be responsible for the cost of the isolation stay and will pay it upfront, that they will also be responsible for the cost of additional isolation if their employee tests positive at the end of the 14 days;
6. Confirmation that the employee also has secured private accommodation and the ability to pay for that accommodation after isolation is necessary to avoid reliance on the Government.
As a side note, with the passage of the Immigration Transition Law Amendments in April, new work permit applications, and work permit renewals are subject to advertisements on the JobsCayman website.
This will help to ensure Caymanians registered with WORC are aware of jobs that are available and Caymanian job seekers have an opportunity to apply and have the first preference for jobs. This will also better assist the decision-makers to be aware that Caymanians applied for jobs.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid