In a public meeting held on immigration last week with several of
Cayman’s political and business leaders, it is interesting to note that while four of five panellists all agreed that the country’s rollover policy should be
revised, none thought term limits should be abandoned all together.
So, although there are some expatriate residents who are hoping that the
current review of the Immigration Law will lead to an abolishment of the
rollover policy, that does not appear likely to happen. Most people recognise that a small country
like the Cayman Islands simply cannot allow everyone who wants to stay here
indefinitely the opportunity to remain and become citizens; to do this would
mean the population of established Caymanians would become a minority in their
own country in a very short period of time.
There was also no argument among the panellists that the Cayman Islands
has a need to import labour.
Considering the number of people in the labour force – even in this
time of economic contraction – compared to the number of Caymanians, it would
appear the need to import labour will be continue long into the future.
Sherri Bodden-Cowan, one of the five panellists at last week’s debate,
has said in the past that Cayman would be better off increasing the number of
its citizens so that fewer work permit holders are needed.
On a social level, this would seem a good idea because it would
stabilise the population. However, while it would also have some economic
benefits, it would also significantly reduce an important government revenue
stream from work permit fees.
The key is finding the right balance as to who can stay and who has to
leave. It takes all kinds to make a community and there should be the
possibility of any expatriate – with the right contribution and investment to
the country – to stay. However the truth is that those expatriates who provide
unskilled labour will likely find it more difficult to make the required
contributions and investment to qualify for permanent residence. While some
might look at that reality as elitist, we see nothing wrong with a country
choosing the people with whom it wishes to grow.
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I agree, I also see nothing wrong with a country choosing the people with whom it wishes to grow with.
By country, I mean both the people and the Government sharing a voice in these decisions.
And yes, there will be difficult decisions (and procedures) in choosing those who are permitted to stay and those who have to leave in order to attain this perfect balancing act.
All social and/or economic niches should be considered; becoming top heavy or bottom heavy is not healthy for any society.
I hope we will do it wisely and with a foresight that will lead to a blend that will weigh both the social and economic factors.
All should prosper, not just a few.
This one quote comes to mind, and it’s applicable to the greatest majority of hopefuls;
You have been weighed, you have been measured, and you have been found wanting. In what world could you possibly beat me?
It simply means most people’s chances are extremely thin.
This is the reality.
Unfortunately this sort of exclusivity leads to the sort of corruption we already see in Cayman, where people not only can buy their way in, but demands are made too.