The Ministry of Economy and Labour reminds the public that the updated Work Permit Policy 2025 will take effect on 1 November 2025.
The revised policy modernises Bermuda’s immigration framework to ensure transparency, fairness, and balanced opportunity. It reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the proper balance between employment and immigration, creating conditions that enable Bermudians to access meaningful work opportunities while supporting a fair, stable, and inclusive workforce that benefits everyone, contributing to Bermuda’s economy.
The 2025 Policy introduces several new sections designed to clarify processes and respond to emerging needs within Bermuda’s workforce, including:
- Guidelines for Submitting Photos
- Guidelines for Submitting Police Certificates
- Family Office Work Permit
- Guidelines for Amending the Dates of a Work Permit
- Sponsored Dependents Residing and Working in Bermuda
- Applications to Reside
- Secondments
- Layoffs
Among the most notable updates are new requirements for English language proficiency for standard work permit applicants, the introduction of a Family Office Permit, and updated police certificate requirements for all first-time applicants.
The new policy also strengthens expectations around hiring practices to ensure Bermudians are given priority consideration for available positions, while providing clearer guidance for employers on application timelines and processing standards.
Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, explained, “This updated policy ensures Bermuda’s work permit framework remains fair, transparent, and responsive to the realities of our economy. It balances the need to protect opportunities for Bermudians with the importance of attracting and retaining the diverse talent that helps drive Bermuda’s success. Our goal is to make the process clearer and more efficient for everyone, ensuring fairness, opportunity, and clarity for all who work and contribute to Bermuda.”
The Ministry encourages all employers, agents, and work permit holders to familiarise themselves with the updated policy, available on the Department of Immigration’s webpage at www.gov.bm.
For further information, please contact the Department of Immigration at immigration@gov.bm or 295-5151.