The repatriation of foreign workers has been hampered by the refusal of some countries to open their borders to returning nationals
Over the past few weeks since the airports were officially closed on March 22, evacuation flights have continued to take place from the Cayman Islands taking tourists and foreign nationals home and facilitating the return of its citizens.
According to Governor Martyn Roper, who has been overseeing the airlifts, 921 people have been repatriated to various destinations including Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and the UK via chartered flights. Cayman Airways has scheduled another flight to Miami on May 15 and a limited number of pre-approved Caymanians will be allowed on the return leg. According to the governor, efforts are also underway to arrange another British Airways airbridge to the UK and his office also remains in discussions with the governments of Jamaica, India and the Philippines to assist their nationals who wish to leave the territory.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, it was estimated that about 70,000 people were resident in the Cayman Islands, with as many as 30,000 on work permits. Since the implementation of shelter in place and other policies, the population is still believed to be more than 60,000. The governor has urged foreign nationals who have opted not to take advantage of the air evacuations to re-consider if they have an opportunity to leave as when the economy re-opens, Caymanians who have lost their jobs will be first in line for employment opportunities.
