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.