The Ministry of Labour advises the public of changes to the closed and restricted job categories, effective from November 1st, 2021, for a 3-month period. 

The Ministry of Labour will be extending the moratorium on new work permits issued for closed job categories until January 31st, 2022. Please note that Residential and Commercial Cleaners have been moved from the Closed list and placed in the Restricted list, and Legal Clerk has been added to the Closed list. The new list of closed job categories is as follows:

1.       Bank Teller

2.       General Bartender

3.       Fisherman

4.       Travel Agent/ Consultant

5.       Administrative Assistant

6.       Room Attendant

7.       Kitchen Porter

8.       Dish/ Pot Washer

9.       Kitchen Assistant

10.   Golf Instructors

11.   Handyman

12.   HR Officer/ Manager

13.   Recruiter

14.   Customer Care/ Service Rep

15.   Seasonal Work Permits

16.   Interns

17.   Carpet Installer

18.   Entertainer/ Musician

19.   Technician salesperson

20.   Photographer

21.   Personal Executive Assistant

22.   Nail Technician

23.   Barber

24.   Senior Clerk

25.   Warehouse Clerk

26.   Security Guard

27.   Laundry Attendant

28.   Real Estate Agent

29.   Teaching Aide

30.   Para-Professional

31.   Librarian

32.   Public Relations Officer

33.   Childcare Assistant

34.   Airline Ground Agent

35.   Retail Floor Supervisor

36.   General Labourer

37.   Office Receptionist

38.   Painter

39.   Salesperson

40.   Tourist Retail Salesperson

41.   Taxi Driver

42.   Wallpaper Technician

43.   Grocery Packer

44.   Cashier

45.   Courier

46.   Legal Clerk

As previously stated, the current list of restricted job categories that are included under the Work Permit Policy has been revised to include Residential and Commercial Cleaners. The complete list is as follows:

1.       Residential and Commercial Cleaner

2.       Tennis instructor

3.       General Carpenter

4.       Landscape Gardener (Entry Level)

5.       Waiter/ Server

6.       Electrician

7.       Plumber

8.       General Mason

According to the Work Permit Policy, Section 3.7, the application process for jobs in the restricted category is the same as that for jobs in the open category, except the employer must:

a.       Apply for a maximum term of one (1) year; and

b.      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 will generally be allowed to reside in Bermuda but not to seek employment until further advised by the Ministry of Labour.

While we understand the current labour market and the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many local businesses, our aim is always to ensure the effective use of policies that create capacity in the labour force for Bermudians.

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 the Bermuda College at www.college.bm.