Tennis Work Permit Application Process Change
In order to “provide greater assurance” that Bermudian tennis professionals are given fair employment opportunities, the Department of Immigration has introduced a new process of referring related work permit applications to the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association.
This was announced by Minister of Home Affairs Walton Brown at a press conference this afternoon [Oct 3] where he spoke about this policy, and also provided details on the English Speaking Work Permit Policy which is currently under consideration.
The 14-minute live video replay of the full press conference
“In order to provide greater assurance that Bermudians who work in the sport of tennis are given fair opportunities for gainful employment in Bermuda, the Department of Immigration has introduced a new process of referring work permit applications for tennis personnel to the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association [BLTA],” the Minister said.
“This means that, going forward, employers must send a copy of the work permit application [with all supporting documentation] to the BLTA at the same time they submit the work permit application to the Department of Immigration.
“The BLTA must provide a written response to employers within 10 working days from the date the application is referred to them. Employers must submit the response to the Department of Immigration.
“If a response is not provided within this timeframe, then employers must provide formal written notification to the Department of Immigration to advise that no response was received, including all relevant details relating to the referral; i.e. name of prospective work permit holder, job title, and the date of referral to the BLTA.
“The Minister can exercise discretion over the response from the BLTA; i.e. he may or may not agree with the response. It should be noted that the referral process will cause the Department’s processing timelines to be extended.
“Contact details for the BLTA are – email addresses: mwolfe@blta.bm and info@blta.bm; and phone number: 296-0834.”
While not implicitly mentioned in the statement, this policy follows after one of Bermuda’s leading tennis professionals recently spoke out about employment opportunities in the island.
What kind of dictatorship is this? What about golf pros, dance teachers,
keep fit trainers, music teachers, soccer coaches etc. etc. Does Bermuda not want to raise standards or merely remain complacent and behind the rest of the world who are seeking to improve skill levels.
Premier Burt has just made the statement that Bermuda needs more people coming in from overseas. He did not say except those in the tennis professional category.
When some of the island’s hotels are now charging $400-$600 a night at least they should be able to expect a tennis pro showing up for a booked lesson unlike the recent pro’s reputation at a certain property.
Are you aware of what bermuda’s youngsters have been achieving oversees lately?
It seems as if this act is quite the opposite of complacent
As far as other professions are concerned maybe they should follow suit. Tennis looks to be ahead of the game in this regard.
Absolute rubbish, Ledzap. Local tennis players have NOT been
achieving anything of significance in recent years. That is exactly why fully qualified tennis coaches are essential to raising the game.
Talk about a knee jerk reaction ….typical but is it a positive move or one to be seen to ” watch dog for Bermudians” please explain why the current immigration process failed and needed this addition. Either immigration officials failed in their duty to be sure the process was followed correctly or the process itself is flawed. Its really simple There will not be 1 future application put through by an employer that will be supported by the BLTA.
Get real
Make the Bermudian one take the English test. Doubt Minister whatever could pass it.
Does this set a precedent? Will workers soon have to be vetted by their respective associations? Construction? Landscaping? Waiters? Dentists? Just curious…
Hopefully
Come on Tweed and pc time to march and object that immigration decisions have been farmed out to a tennis association.
I will sign up pay my dues and have a vote at the tennis agm