Between 2013 and 2016, Bermuda was gripped by a significant social and political movement as citizens took to the streets to march and protest against proposed legislation by the then One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) government aimed at liberalising the island's immigration rules. They were rightfully concerned that the changes would negatively affect the job and housing market for Bermudians and fundamentally alter the cultural and demographic landscape of the island.

During this time, the Cayman Islands were frequently cited by both government and various business entities as the ideal, or even "utopian", model of immigration. This viewpoint held up the Cayman model as a standard of liberal immigration control that Bermuda should emulate.

In March 2016, thousands of Bermudians locked arms and blocked Parliament for a week until the Government withdrew the “Pathways to Status” legislation.

Caymanian reality

Fast forward to 2025, and because of growing concern among generational Caymanians of lack of jobs, housing and national identity, the Cayman Islands Government has passed significant legislation that introduces several restrictive measures.

The key provisions of the new Cayman Islands legislation include:

● Mandatory re-entry ban for early job leavers: work permit holders who choose to leave their employment within the first two years of their contract are now required to depart the Cayman Islands at least one year before they are eligible to apply for another job or a new work permit on the island.

● Increased residency requirement for status: the minimum residency period required for non-Caymanians to qualify for Caymanian status has been significantly increased to 20 years. A slightly reduced, though still substantial, period of 15 years is set for spouses of Caymanians. This change signals a strong governmental commitment to ensuring that only those with long-term connections can achieve the ultimate status of citizenship.

● Elevated income threshold for dependents: the minimum monthly income that non-Caymanian workers must earn to be allowed to bring their dependents to the island has been substantially raised from $3,500 to $5,000 a month. Furthermore, the required additional income for each dependent has been doubled from $500 to $1,000 a month.

● Expansion of WORC’s authority: the legislation broadens the investigative and data-sharing powers of the Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (Worc) department. Crucially, it also strengthens Worc’s overall authority concerning decisions related to the granting of Caymanian status and permanent residency (PR).

● Amendments and revocation powers: a further 17 amendments were tabled immediately prior to the legislative debate. Including provisions that grant the Director of WORC the power to revoke grants of Caymanian status under certain specified circumstances.

Land ownership

In at least three other OTs, including the Cayman Islands, non-citizens can purchase property of any value, leading to shortage of affordable property for locals. In Bermuda, land ownership below a certain property value is reserved for Bermudians only. Had the Bermudian people not stood up against the previous proposals to allow the sale of land to foreigners, there would be an even more acute shortage of Bermudian-owned housing than presently exists.

Regional reality

The reality is that all six islands of the Atlantic and Caribbean British Overseas Territories are facing a demographic challenge with declining birthrates and increasing seniors.

In addition, most of our young people do not wish to go into hospitality, service or trade industries. So, we will need to import labour in order for our economies to grow. However, as seen in both the Bermuda islands and the Cayman Islands, the key is balance between industry needs and protecting the birthright of and opportunities for generational islanders.

· Christopher Famous is a government backbencher and the MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11)