...Cayman to send home work permit holders, thousands to be affected
October 24, 2006
The Cayman Islands' controversial immigration laws could expel thousands of work-permit-holding Jamaicans who have been employed there for almost eight years.
If expelled, the Jamaicans and others from the more than 100 different nationalities must wait two years before being eligible for another work permit.
While unable to give precise figures, Franz Manderson, the Cayman Islands' chief immigration officer, admitted that there will be casualties as some will not be granted permanent residence or be adjudged by the Immigration Boards as key or exempt employees.
"If persons are unsuccessful in being designated key or exempt employees, or their applications for permanent residence are denied, then those people would, yes, be required to leave the Cayman Islands," he confirmed.
Manderson also stated that those who fail to apply for permanent residence before the December 31, 2006, deadline would be asked to leave the island.
Honorary Jamaican Consul for the Cayman Islands, Robert Hamaty, also confirmed that at the end of the process an undetermined number of Jamaicans will be told to go home, at least for a while.
"Without a doubt, that is obviously what will transpire," he emphasised. "We won't feel the real impact until next year when it takes effect."
Plans in the making
Reports to The Gleaner are that plans are in the making to send home about 4,000 Jamaicans by year-end or shortly thereafter; but this has been denied by Mr. Manderson who said that the figure was "way too high." ...
Author: Tyrone Reid
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
