Effective September 1st, 2023, the Ministry of Economy and Labour advises the public that the moratorium on new work permits issued for the following Closed job categories is extended for three months, ending November 30th, 2023.

The following list of Closed job categories is unchanged from the prior three-month period ending August 31st, 2023:

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.         Intern

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 following list of Restricted job categories is also unchanged from the previous period:

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 job categories is the same as that for the Open category, except the employer must:

1. Apply for a maximum term of one (1) year; and
2. 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 who have 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’s main aim is always to ensure the effective use of policies that create job opportunities for Bermudians. Closed and Restricted job categories encourage companies to consider and develop Bermudians in the workforce. As the employment landscape in Bermuda continues to shift, policy amendments will reflect the changes in demand.

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 Bermuda College at www.college.bm.