HSM LAW
Chambers and Partners Features HSM Group in Global Legal Guide 2026
The HSM Group is pleased to be featured by Chambers & Partners in their 2026 Global Legal Guide. Our Intellectual property practice, HSM IP, has once again been ranked as a top tier law firm in their Global (Caribbean-Wide) Intellectual Read more +
Locked In: How Cayman’s New Section 64 Redefines Work Permit Mobility
Section 64 of the Immigration (Transition) Act (2022 Revision) (“the Act”) and its earlier iterations has long governed the circumstances in which a work permit holder may change employment in the Cayman Islands. Historically, the provision operated as a relatively Read more +
Cayman Immigration: There May be Trouble Ahead
As the government prepares for a commencement date of 1 March 2026 for the Immigration (Transition) (Amendment and Validation) Act 2025 (“the Amendment Act”), it is becoming increasingly obvious that there will be a large number of individuals adversely affected Read more +
Privy Council Affirms Exclusion of Charitable Employees from Cayman Unfair Dismissal
An Overview of Attorney General of the Cayman Islands and another (Respondents) v. Shelliann Bush (Appellant) [2025] UKPC 39. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council has confirmed that employees of charitable organisations in the Cayman Islands have no statutory Read more +
Cayman Islands Immigration Update - September 2024
Recently, we were faced with two individuals whose Permanent Residence applications were rejected. Both of these applications were, in our mind, applications which should be granted and therefore the fact that they were not granted surprised us. Upon reviewing the points which they had been awarded, it appeared to us that there were clear errors made in assessing the applications which if resolved in our clients’ favour would lead to the award of Permanent Residence to them.
Our clients were then faced with the decision of whether to appeal the decisions or to ask for a reconsideration of their decisions. There is no formal reconsideration process, and we believe that it should only be used in situations where there is a clear administrative error. In both of these cases reconsideration requests were made and approved prior to the time limit for any appeal to be filed expiring.
In some cases, reconsideration requests are not appropriate, however in these cases the Department exercised their discretion in a reasonable manner and accepted the submissions we made and in doing so our clients not only obtained Permanent Residence in a far quicker manner than they eventually would via an appeal but incurred less legal fees.
Latest Statistics
Currently there are 37,334 work permits held in the Cayman Islands. This is an increase of 25 work permits from the number reported to us as at 17 July 2024.
The top nationalities are: Jamaica (15,427), Philippines (6,463), India (2,081), United Kingdom (2,024), Nepal (1,246), Canada (1,197), Honduras (1,172), United States of America (919) and Nicaragua (715).
Most of the top 10 nationalities increased in work permits, however; there was a slight reduction in work permits held by Indians by 11 and Nicaragua by 5.
In June 2024 the Board determined:
- 138 Right to be Caymanian (“RTBC”) applications on the basis of naturalisation.
- 58 Right to be Caymanian applications on the basis of marriage.
- Right to be Caymanian applications – up to 12 months.
- PR point based applications – up to 12 months.
- RERC as spouse of a Caymanian – between 3-6 months.
- RERC as Spouse of a PR holder – between 3-6 months.
- Work Permit grant – 12 weeks.
- Work Permit renewal – 12 weeks.
- Variations to work permit – between 3-6 months.
HSM Wins Gold Medal for Immigration Law by Best of Cayman 2024
HSM’s immigration team has been recognised for the second consecutive year with a gold medal by the Best of Cayman Islands for their 2024 awards. Our team handles everything from work permit applications to the right to be Caymanian to permanent residency and everything in between, including relocation assistance, registration as a British Overseas Territory Citizen and passport applications. Should a matter become contentious, we can assist our clients with court proceedings.
The Best of Cayman Islands is a vote-based contest and nominations are provided by the community. This recognition is a testament to HSM’s high-quality immigration support in the Cayman Islands and personal attention to our clients.
HSM is thrilled to be featured again and thanks our clients as well as the public for their votes.