Update On Restricted & Closed Job Categories
The Ministry of Labour is advising the public of “changes to the closed and restricted job categories, effective from August 1 for a three month period,” noting that they are extending the moratorium on new work permits for certain closed job categories until October 31st, 2021.
A Government spokesperson said, “As highlighted in the 2020 Labour Force Survey Report, unemployment at the end of last year was higher than in previous years. While some industries have begun to recover, there is still a need to find suitable employment for Bermudians.
“As a result, the Ministry of Labour will be extending the moratorium on new work permits issued for the following closed job categories for a three-month period, until October 31st, 2021:
- 1. Residential/ Commercial Cleaner
- 2. Bank Teller
- 3. General Bartender
- 4. Fisherman
- 5. Travel Agent/ Consultant
- 6. Administrative Assistant
- 7. Room Attendant
- 8. Kitchen Porter
- 9. Dish/ Pot Washer
- 10. Kitchen Assistant
- 11. Golf Instructors
- 12. Handyman
- 13. HR Officer/ Manager
- 14. Recruiter
- 15. Customer Care/ Service Rep
- 16. Seasonal Work Permits
- 17. Interns
- 18. Carpet Installer
- 19. Entertainer/ Musician
- 20. Technician salesperson
- 21. Photographer
- 22. Personal Executive Assistant
- 23. Nail Technician
- 24. Barber
- 25. Senior Clerk
- 26. Warehouse Clerk
- 27. Security Guard
- 28. Laundry Attendant
- 29. Real Estate Agent
- 30. Teaching Aide
- 31. Para-Professional
- 32. Librarian
- 33. Public Relations Officer
- 34. Childcare Assistant
- 35. Airline Ground Agent
- 36. Retail Floor Supervisor
- 37. General Labourer
- 38. Office Receptionist
- 39. Painter
- 40. Salesperson
- 41. Tourist Retail Salesperson
- 42. Taxi Driver
- 43. Wallpaper Technician
- 44. Grocery Packer
- 45. Cashier
- 46. Courier
“Secondly, we will revise the current list of restricted job categories that are included under the Work Permit Policy to include:
- 1. Tennis instructor
- 2. General Carpenter
- 3. Landscape Gardener [Entry Level]
- 4. Waiter/ Server
- 5. Electrician
- 6. Plumber
- 7. General Mason
“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
- b. 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.
“While we understand the current labour market and the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many local businesses, it is always our aim to ensure effective use of policies that create capacity in the labour force for Bermudians.
“Thus, the Ministry of Labour has engaged with the Department of Immigration, the Department of Workforce Development and various industry stakeholders to ensure that the amendments reflect the current landscape of the labour market and provide Bermudians with the opportunity to thrive across multiple job categories.
“The Ministry has worked with the Department of Immigration, Workforce Development, and the Chamber of Commerce to carefully review the proposed changes.
“Subsequently, the Ministry has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce on an ongoing basis to form a Workforce Development and Employment Working Group, which will develop collective strategies to move Bermuda forward and ensure unemployed Bermudians are matched with employers seeking to fill vacant positions in closed categories.
“Lastly, the Ministry will continue to work through Phase 2 of the National Reemployment Strategy to continue to align and connect Bermudians with opportunities within the labour market, including continuing the robust scrutiny of work permits submitted to ensure qualified Bermudians are given priority in the workplace.
“Individuals looking to increase their skillsets and employability are 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.”
You mean my grocery packer from Sri-Lanka cannot get his permit renewed? This can only mean one thing, that the plp have not grown our economy like they said they would. As I think about it they haven’t done anything they said they would. Next election I will vote solid PLP though.
This will shut and damage businesses big time
If ever there was a clear indication of 20 years of PLP failure – it’s this.
Can I still apply for accounting while I do cashier?