HSM

HSM LAW

19/09/2024 | hsmoffice

From Interns to Full-Time: HSM Expands Team with Two New Hires

The HSM Group is thrilled to announce that they have recruited two of their interns from the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC) Internship Programme. Javari Pearson has joined HSM IP Ltd. as an Intellectual Property Assistant and Alanee Morgan Read more +

16/09/2024 | hsmoffice

HSM Announces Promotion of Alastair David to Partner

HSM is pleased to announce the promotion of Alastair David to Partner at HSM Chambers, effective 13 September 2024. Alastair has specialised in immigration and employment law in the Cayman Islands since he joined HSM in 2016. Alastair advises on Read more +

06/09/2024 | hsmoffice

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 Read more +

02/09/2024 | hsmoffice

Overview of Wills in the Cayman Islands 2024 Update

Succession laws in the Cayman Islands are based on the principle of testamentary freedom, which means that a person can, if not incapacitated, choose how their estate is dealt with after their passing, but only if they have a properly 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.
Processing times from application to the notification of the result of the application continue (based on matters we are handling) to fall or remain consistent. We are currently advising clients to expect the following processing times:
  • 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.