Update on Restricted and Closed Job Categories

The Ministry of Labour advises the public of changes to the closed and restricted job categories, effective from February 1st, 2022, for a 6-month period. 

The Ministry of Labour will be extending the moratorium on new work permits issued for the following Closed job categories for a six-month period, ending July 31st, 2022. Please note that Debt-Collectors, Telephone Switchboard Operators, Pool/Beach Attendants, Deckhands, and Dispatchers (Road Transport) have been added to the Closed list, and Recruiter and Nail Technicians have been moved from the Closed list into the Open category. The new list of Closed job categories is as follows:

1.       Administrative Assistant

2.       Airline Ground Agent

3.       Bank Teller

4.       Barber

5.       Carpet Installer

6.       Cashier

7.       Childcare Assistant 

8.       Courier

9.       Customer Care/ Service Rep

10.   Debt Collector

11.   Deckhand

12.   Dispatcher Road Transport

13.   Entertainer/ Musician 

14.   Executive Secretary/Assistant

15.   Fisherman 

16.   General Bartender

17.   General Labourer

18.   Golf Instructors

19.   Grocery Packer

20.   Handyman

21.   HR Officer/ Manager

22.   Interns

23.   Laundry Attendant

24.   Legal Clerk

25.   Librarian 

26.   Office Receptionist

27.   Painter

28.   Para-Professional 

29.   Photographer

30.   Pool/Beach Attendant

31.   Public Relations Officer

32.   Real Estate Agent 

33.   Retail Floor Supervisor

34.   Room Attendant 

35.   Salesperson

36.   Seasonal Work Permits

37.   Security Guard

38.   Senior Clerk 

39.   Taxi Driver

40.   Teaching Aide 

41.   Technician salesperson

42.   Telephone Switchboard Operator

43.   Tourist Retail Salesperson

44.   Travel Agent/ Consultant

45.   Wallpaper Technician

46.   Warehouse Clerk

The current list of restricted job categories that are included under the Work Permit Policy has been revised to include kitchen porter, dish/pot washer, and kitchen assistant. The complete list is as follows:

1.       Dish/ Pot Washer

2.       Electrician 

3.       General Carpenter

4.       General Mason 

5.       Kitchen Assistant

6.       Kitchen Porter

7.       Landscape Gardener (Entry Level)

8.       Plumber 

9.       Residential/ Commercial Cleaner

10.   Tennis instructor 

11.   Waiter/ Server

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.

The partner of a Bermudian, Permanent Resident Certificate holder, Non-Bermudian on a work permit, or other legal resident of Bermuda who has 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. For further details on Partner-Genuine and Subsisting Relationships is available online at gov.bm.   

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 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 atdwd@gov.bm  and explore more options for further education through the Bermuda College atwww.college.bm.