The Ministry of Labour advises the public of changes to the closed and restricted job categories, effective from August 1st, 2021, for a 3-month period.
As highlighted in the 2020 Labour Force Survey Report, unemployment at the end of last year was higher than in previous years. While some industries have begun to recover, there is still a need to find suitable employment for Bermudians. As a result, the Ministry of Labour will be extending the moratorium on new work permits issued for the following closed job categories for a three-month period, until October 31st, 2021:
1. Residential/ Commercial Cleaner
2. Bank Teller
3. General Bartender
4. Fisherman
5. Travel Agent/ Consultant
6. Administrative Assistant
7. Room Attendant
8. Kitchen Porter
9. Dish/ Pot Washer
10. Kitchen Assistant
11. Golf Instructors
12. Handyman
13. HR Officer/ Manager
14. Recruiter
15. Customer Care/ Service Rep
16. Seasonal Work Permits
17. Interns
18. Carpet Installer
19. Entertainer/ Musician
20. Technician salesperson
21. Photographer
22. Personal Executive Assistant
23. Nail Technician
24. Barber
25. Senior Clerk
26. Warehouse Clerk
27. Security Guard
28. Laundry Attendant
29. Real Estate Agent
30. Teaching Aide
31. Para-Professional
32. Librarian
33. Public Relations Officer
34. Childcare Assistant
35. Airline Ground Agent
36. Retail Floor Supervisor
37. General Labourer
38. Office Receptionist
39. Painter
40. Salesperson
41. Tourist Retail Salesperson
42. Taxi Driver
43. Wallpaper Technician
44. Grocery Packer
45. Cashier
46. Courier
Secondly, we will revise the current list of restricted job categories that are included under the Work Permit Policy to include:
1. Tennis instructor
2. General Carpenter
3. Landscape Gardener (Entry Level)
4. Waiter/ Server
5. Electrician
6. Plumber
7. 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 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.
While we understand the current labour market and the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many local businesses, it is always our aim to ensure effective use of policies that create capacity in the labour force for Bermudians.
Thus, the Ministry of Labour has engaged with the Department of Immigration, the Department of Workforce Development and various industry stakeholders to ensure that the amendments reflect the current landscape of the labour market and provide Bermudians with the opportunity to thrive across multiple job categories.
The Ministry has worked with the Department of Immigration, Workforce Development, and the Chamber of Commerce to carefully review the proposed changes.
Subsequently, the Ministry has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce on an ongoing basis to form a Workforce Development and Employment Working Group, which will develop collective strategies to move Bermuda forward and ensureunemployed Bermudians are matched with employers seeking to fill vacant positions in closed categories.
Lastly, the Ministry will continue to work through Phase 2 of the National Reemployment Strategy to continue to align and connect Bermudians with opportunities within the labour market, including continuing the robust scrutiny of work permits submitted to ensure qualified Bermudians are given priority in the workplace.
Individuals looking to increase their skillsets and employability are 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.