The Cayman Islands Government has approved a major shift in civil service employment policy, setting the stage for immigration term limits for non-Caymanian workers in the public sector. The Cabinet’s decision, made on Wednesday, May 21, will see new regulations come into effect from January 1, 2026.
The policy will apply to all non-Caymanian civil servants—both existing and new—and follows extensive consultation and detailed policy analysis. Among the key changes is an extension of the required break in stay from one year to two years once a term limit is reached, before an individual can be rehired.
Other changes include reserving specific positions for Caymanians to support local career growth, introducing contractual requirements for the training and development of Caymanian professionals, and tightening rules around transitions from the private sector to the Civil Service.
Safeguards are built into the framework to uphold the independence of the judiciary and maintain the Governor’s constitutional responsibilities under Section 55. Any exemptions granted under the policy will need to be officially reported.
The government says this phased approach aims to prevent disruptions, particularly in departments that employ large numbers of non-Caymanians, such as Education Services, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, His Majesty’s Cayman Islands Prison Service, and the Department of Children and Family Services.
Her Excellency, Governor Jane Owen, expressed support for the changes, stating, “I am satisfied that these amendments fully respect my constitutional responsibilities, including internal security, and do not impinge upon the Governor’s reserved functions under the Constitution. The proposed exemptions ensure continuity in critical areas while supporting Caymanian advancement.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Civil Service, Hon. Franz Manderson, noted that term limits alone are not a silver bullet for Caymanian employment advancement. “While it is important to align public sector employment rules with private sector immigration policies, we must accept that term limits alone will not translate into more jobs or the upward mobility for Caymanians in the workplace. Therefore, the Civil Service have developed an enhanced term limit policy which provides additional mechanisms for hiring Caymanians,” he said.
Manderson also emphasized the need for careful implementation, citing the unique role of services like policing and corrections: “Many essential services… are not available anywhere else in the Islands. Therefore, any changes must be carefully implemented to ensure we remain fully equipped to deliver the services our people depend on to make their lives better.”
Premier Hon. André Ebanks framed the move as part of broader immigration reform. “The changes initiate one of the aims of our Government to reform immigration policy in this Country. We are moving words into action. These changes are pro-Caymanian, prepared in consultation with the civil service as our aim is to work in partnership,” he said.
He also signaled that private sector immigration reform will be prioritized next, noting that the National Coalition for Caymanians is preparing to take further steps.
The proposed changes are expected to be formalized under the Public Service Management Act and Personnel Regulations, which govern civil servant employment in the Cayman Islands.
