The Department of Immigration (DOI) is pleased to provide updates on work permit applications.

DOI can advise that all submissions, including those made before September 20th, are still being processed, and while documents cannot be printed, employers will be informed of any decision.

Meanwhile, all work permit applications must continue to be submitted via DOI's Dropbox on the first floor of the Government Administration Building, Parliament Street, Hamilton.

The Department of Immigration (DOI) is pleased to provide an update on services.

 DOI can advise that there have been no issues around work permit holders arriving without proof of a work permit. However, work permit holders who arrive without evidence of a work permit will be allowed to land for one day, and their employer is advised to contact the Chief Immigration Officer or Assistant Chief Immigration Officer.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour advises the general public that more than 1,000 Passport Office workers in the UK, who are members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), began a five-week strike on April 3, 2023 in a dispute over jobs, pay, pensions and conditions. 

Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

It is with great pleasure that I rise today to advise this Honorable House that the Department of Immigration has made significant improvements to the timelines for processing passports and work permits.

Mr. Speaker,

The Department of Immigration has seen an increase in inquiries and work permit applications for work permit holders who have worked for their initial employer for less than two years. Clause 4.6 of the 2017 Work Permit Policy states that work permit holders can only change jobs in the first two years when made redundant or on lodging a bona fide complaint with the Labour Relations Section of the Ministry of Economy and Labour against their employer.

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to table the Bill entitled: the “Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment Act 2022” (BIPA). The purpose of the Bill is to clarify and strengthen the provisions relating to the unrestricted period of residence of visitors to Bermuda.

Mr. Speaker,

The Ministry of Economy and Labour can advise that the Department of Immigration continues processing passport applications and endeavours to complete and send them to Her Majesty's Post Office (HMPO) for printing as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker,

I rise before this Honorable House to provide an update on Passport processing. Several weeks ago, the Bermuda public was advised of passport processing delays of 11 weeks. As the Minister responsible for the Department of Immigration, today I will:

The Department of Immigration wishes to advise the public that the UK Government has confirmed that individuals attempting to renew their BOTC (Bermuda) passports, acquire initial passports, or have their lost or stolen passports replaced can expect delays of up to 11 weeks. The Department also wishes to highlight that due to the pandemic and the period of restrictive travel (2020-2021), applications for BOTC Bermuda passports were extremely low. Over the past few months, the volume of applications has quadrupled.

The Department of Immigration wishes to remind the public that amendments to the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 came into effect on December 1, 2021, and Permanent Resident’s Certificate applications are now accepted under the new provisions.

The updated application process and form is available online at the Department of Immigration.

For questions or more information on the Permanent Resident’s Certificate, please call the Department of Immigration at 246-8093.