The Ministry of Economy and Labour advises the public of changes to the closed and restricted job categories, effective from June 1st, 2023, for three months.
The Ministry of Economy and Labour will extend the moratorium on new work permits issued for the following Closed job categories for three months, ending August 31st, 2023.
The list of Closed job categories is as follows:
- Administrative Assistant
- Airline Ground Agent
- Bank Teller
- Carpet Installer
- Cashier
- Childcare Assistant
- Courier
- Customer Care/ Service Rep
- Debt Collector
- Deckhand
- Dispatcher Road Transport
- Entertainer/ Musician
- Executive Secretary/Assistant
- Fisherman
- General Bartender
- General Labourer
- Golf Instructors
- Grocery Packer
- Guest Service Agent
- Handyman
- HR Officer/ Manager
- Intern
- Laundry Attendant
- Legal Clerk
- Librarian
- Office Receptionist
- Painter
- Para-Professional
- Photographer
- Pool/Beach Attendant
- Public Relations Officer
- Real Estate Agent
- Retail Floor Supervisor
- Room Attendant
- Salesperson
- Seasonal Work Permits
- Security Guard
- Senior Clerk
- Taxi Driver
- Teaching Aide
- Technician salesperson
- Telephone Switchboard Operator
- Tourist Retail Salesperson
- Travel Agent/ Consultant
- Wallpaper Technician
- Warehouse Clerk
The Closed job categories list will remain unchanged from the previous period, which ended on May 31st, 2023.
The current list of Restricted job categories is as follows:
- Dish/ Pot Washer
- Electrician
- General Carpenter
- General Mason
- Kitchen Assistant
- Kitchen Porter
- Landscape Gardener (Entry Level)
- Plumber
- Residential/ Commercial Cleaner
- Tennis instructor
- Waiter/ Server
The Restricted job categories list will also remain unchanged from the previous period.
According to the Work Permit Policy, Section 3.7, the application process for jobs in the Restricted job categories is the same as that for the Open category, except the employer must:
- Apply for a maximum term of one (1) year; and
- Submit evidence that any candidates screened and recommended by the Department of Workforce Development (“DWD”) have been appropriately considered. DWD is expected to respond to enquiries by employers within ten (10) working days. Should no response be forthcoming from DWD, the employer may submit the application with written evidence that they made enquiries.
The partner of a Bermudian, Permanent Resident Certificate holder, Non-Bermudian on a work permit, or other legal residents of Bermuda who have already received permission to reside may now apply to seek employment. Partners who do not have permission to reside may apply to reside and seek employment. Further details on Partner-Genuine and Subsisting Relationships are available online at gov.bm.
The Ministry of Economy and Labour’s main aim is always to ensure the effective use of policies that create job opportunities for Bermudians. Closed and Restricted job categories encourage companies to consider and develop Bermudians in the workforce. As the employment landscape in Bermuda continues to shift, policy amendments will reflect the changes in demand.
Individuals looking to increase their skillsets and employability are always encouraged to register with the Department of Workforce Development at dwd@gov.bm and explore more options for further education through Bermuda College at www.college.bm.