Update on Restricted and Closed Job Categories

The Ministry of Economy and Labour advises the public of changes to the closed and restricted job categories, effective from January 1st, 2023, for five months.

The Ministry of Labour will extend the moratorium on new work permits issued for the following Closed job categories for five months, ending May 31st, 2023. Please note that General Bartenders have moved from the Restricted list into the Closed category, and Guest Service Agents have been added to the Closed category. Regarding General Bartending, ongoing college courses and training courses are being planned in partnership with local employers. We must ensure that Bermudians can secure employment in this field upon completion. 

The new list of Closed job categories is as follows: 

1.       Administrative Assistant 

2.       Airline Ground Agent

3.       Bank Teller

4.       Carpet Installer

5.       Cashier

6.       Childcare Assistant 

7.       Courier

8.       Customer Care/ Service Rep 

9.       Debt Collector

10.   Deckhand

11.   Dispatcher Road Transport

12.   Entertainer/ Musician 

13.   Executive Secretary/Assistant

14.   Fisherman

15.   General Bartender

16.   General Labourer

17.   Golf Instructors 

18.   Grocery Packer 

19.   Guest Service Agent

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

As previously stated, the current list of Restricted job categories included under the Work Permit Policy has been revised to remove General Bartender and place it in the Closed job categories. The current list ofRestricted job categories 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

  1. 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. Further details on Partner-Genuine and Subsisting Relationships are available online at gov.bm.  

 The Ministry of Economy and Labour appreciates the current challenges within our labour market and the significant impact the pandemic has had on many local businesses. Our aim is always to ensure the effective use of policies that create jobs 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