Once again the fate of Jamaicans in a foreign country hangs in the balance, the Tuesday Gleaner is reporting.

According to the lead story, some Jamaicans could be sent home from The Cayman Islands by year end or early next year, because of the country's immigration laws that were passed in 2004.

The laws state that all work permit holders who have been on The Cayman Islands for seven years are required to take a two- year sabbatical before being able to return to the island.

Permit applications

The story stated that those Jamaicans who have unsuccessfully applied for residency there and have not had their work permit applications designated key or exempt, would be required to leave.

The immediate reaction of anyone who reads this story may be to look at the negative implications it may have on Jamaicans. But one could focus on the fact that employment there for many Jamaicans was a chance that some would not have got otherwise. It is hoped that those who did get the chance made use of the opportunity to better themselves and families, always remembering that it was not guaranteed to be forever.

As more countries continue to follow suit in one form or another by implementing more stringent immigration laws, the opportunities will certainly be less easy to access. But when Jamaicans get them, all they need to do is utilise them well.