What Happens After You Accept an Island Job | Pt 2

We read in the first article what happens when you accept a job on one of the Islands and get your work permit approved. Here we’ll look at what happens next…

On getting the news that your visa is in hand, the next step is to liaise with your new employer to set a date for your arrival on the Island and first day in the office.

Your flight will be booked (they will do this for you or you may wish to book it yourself and put in an expense claim on arrival, depending on your movements prior to arrival – some people like to take the chance to do some travel in the run-up to the move).

Before you know it, you’re gliding through the azure skies of the Caribbean!

Typically, you’ll be greeted at the airport by a new colleague; alternatively, a taxi may be sent to pick you up. You’ll be accompanied to your hotel or guest-house (free accommodation is often provided for the first two weeks) so you can settle in, relax and get over any jet lag after the flight.

Many candidates like to arrive 2-3 days prior to starting work so they can do a bit of self-orientation by exploring the locale. This will be made much easier if you rent a scooter (in Bermuda) or a jeep/car (BVI, Cayman Islands). Often the firm will have included free vehicle rental for the first week or two as part of the relocation package so don’t forget to bring your driving licence to the Island.

Very often you’ll be invited into the office for an informal look around prior to your start date. This is an opportunity to meet your co-workers and to complete any remaining administration with Human Resources.

Here they may well provide you with a letter of introduction or suggestions for opening a local bank account on the Island. Additionally, you’ll be pointed in the right direction for finding a local doctor and dentist with whom you can register.

Finding permanent accommodation is always a priority: there are local agencies and websites who will help, though in practice you will find that word of mouth works wonders.

Tell everybody you meet that you’re new (they won’t recognise you and so will probably already have guessed this) and are looking for a place and you’ll get plenty of free advice, particularly as all the other expats you meet will have been through exactly the same process themselves.

Most people (particularly if single) look to share a house with some other expats and this is easy to do as there are people coming and going all the time. We do recommend this option versus renting an apartment on your own, as sharing with others will save you money and has the advantage of giving you an instant social circle in addition to work.

A final piece of advice: you’ll get out of the experience what you put in. The Islands are genuinely friendly and welcoming destinations so jump in and get involved! Just say Yes: you can always drop activities and people later on if you find you have too much on your plate. Live the dream abroad!

It’s going to be a golden period in your life – make the most of it.

If you are a lawyer or chartered accountant and interested in working in the Bermuda/Caribbean region, visit our jobs portal to see the latest vacancies. Our site also includes a downloadable All You Need to Know guide which will tell you all you need to know about living and working offshore.