‘Phased Resumption Of Services At Immigration’
Minister of National Security Wayne Caines provided an update regarding the phased resumption of services at the Department of Immigration.
A Government spokesperson said, “Minister Caines advised that an info guide outlining what services will be available from today, May 4 can be found on the government portal here. However the Minister provided a general update of what the Department will be engaged in during the first phase of its resumption of services.
Minister Caines said, “We are thankful for the patience of the public as we navigate through this difficult time as a country. We are also especially grateful for the efforts of all our staff in the Ministry of National Security who have continued to operate in some form during the Shelter in Place.
“From an operational stand point, the Department of Immigration will partially re-open tomorrow Monday May 4, observing strict social and physical distancing as outlined by the Ministry of Health. All staff will work in shifts in accordance with a defined work schedule:
- Operating Hours: 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.
- Public Gallery: The main Immigration offices on the 1st floor of the Government Administration Office will not be open to the public
- Communications: Immigration staff will communicate with customers via email and telephone.
- Appointments: If required, staff will arrange in person meetings with customers by appointment only, and both staff and customers must wear masks and gloves
- Drop Boxes: A Corporate Services Drop Box and a Personal Services Drop Box will be placed at the main entrance of the Government Administration Building. Applications submitted after 2:30pm will be recorded as received on the next business day.
- Mail Delivery: Documents will no longer be available for pick-up from the Collections Desk, but will be sent via mail beginning the week of May 4, 2020.
Passports and Other Applications:
- Emergency [for Medical only] Passport Applications – will be accepted starting at May 4, 2020; applicants must submit formal documentation in support of the medical emergency
- Expired Passports – the Department will advise when it be accepting applications for expired passports.
- New Passports [First-time Applicants] – the Department will advise when it will be accepting applications for new (first-time) passport applications.
- New Applications – The Department will not accept new applications during the period May 4-15, 2020. The Department will advise the public when it will be accepting new applications, by May 16, 2020.
“Further information regarding visas, visitor extensions, work permits in general, including short term emergency work permits and C-Suite work permits can be found here.
“As a final note, the Department of Immigration reminds that any immigration breaches should be reported via the Tip Line at 296-5202 or on the Department of Immigration Investigation Request Portal here. Emailed information can be sent to Immigrationcomplaints@gov.bm.”
As the island and world deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are doing our best to provide timely and accurate information, and you can find more information on the links below.
- Live: Our continuously updated live blog here
- All: Our coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic here
- Official: The Bermuda Government website here
- World Stats: Live graph of all cases worldwide here
- Bermuda Stats: Chart of the Bermuda stats here
- Timeline: Visual look at the timeline here
- Comprehensive: Our new Covid-19 website here
Immigration will begin to process some work permits as of today, 4 May 2020.
I have so many questions about this:
As Bermuda’s cases have been imported, does this mean that Bermuda is now considering allowing people from other jurisdictions in the country?
Will they be arriving by private jets since there are no commercial flights?
What are the precautions that are being put in place?
Are there any nationals that will be prohibited from being granted a work permit?
Will mandatory government quarantining be implemented and for how long?
Will there be testing of work permit holders prior to arriving on arrival/or both?
Has the Government provided any guidance on any of these questions?
“Further information regarding visas, visitor extensions, work permits in general, including short term emergency work permits and C-Suite work permits can be found HERE.
Hmm I didn’t see anything about visitor extensions at HERE!!! Why should we apply when my friend is stuck here until the airport opens? What’s next ask me to pay when I can’t fly them out. If I refuse to pay what’s next lock them up?