Update On Restricted & Closed Job Categories

October 25, 2021

The Ministry of Labour is advising of “changes to the closed and restricted job categories, effective from November 1st, 2021, for a 3-month period.”

A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Labour will be extending the moratorium on new work permits issued for closed job categories until January 31st, 2022. Please note that Residential and Commercial Cleaners have been moved from the Closed list and placed in the Restricted list, and Legal Clerk has been added to the Closed list.

“The new list of closed job categories is as follows:

  • 1. Bank Teller
  • 2. General Bartender
  • 3. Fisherman
  • 4. Travel Agent/ Consultant
  • 5. Administrative Assistant
  • 6. Room Attendant
  • 7. Kitchen Porter
  • 8. Dish/ Pot Washer
  • 9. Kitchen Assistant
  • 10. Golf Instructors
  • 11. Handyman
  • 12. HR Officer/ Manager
  • 13. Recruiter
  • 14. Customer Care/ Service Rep
  • 15. Seasonal Work Permits
  • 16. Interns
  • 17. Carpet Installer
  • 18. Entertainer/ Musician
  • 19. Technician salesperson
  • 20. Photographer
  • 21. Personal Executive Assistant
  • 22. Nail Technician
  • 23. Barber
  • 24. Senior Clerk
  • 25. Warehouse Clerk
  • 26. Security Guard
  • 27. Laundry Attendant
  • 28. Real Estate Agent
  • 29. Teaching Aide
  • 30. Para-Professional
  • 31. Librarian
  • 32. Public Relations Officer
  • 33. Childcare Assistant
  • 34. Airline Ground Agent
  • 35. Retail Floor Supervisor
  • 36. General Labourer
  • 37. Office Receptionist
  • 38. Painter
  • 39. Salesperson
  • 40. Tourist Retail Salesperson
  • 41. Taxi Driver
  • 42. Wallpaper Technician
  • 43. Grocery Packer
  • 44. Cashier
  • 45. Courier
  • 46. Legal Clerk

“As previously stated, the current list of restricted job categories that are included under the Work Permit Policy has been revised to include Residential and Commercial Cleaners. The complete list is as follows:

  • 1. Residential and Commercial Cleaner
  • 2. Tennis instructor
  • 3. General Carpenter
  • 4. Landscape Gardener [Entry Level]
  • 5. Waiter/ Server
  • 6. Electrician
  • 7. Plumber
  • 8. 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 jobs in 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.

“The partner of a Bermudian, Permanent Resident Certificate holder, Non-Bermudian on a work permit, or other legal residents of Bermuda will generally be allowed to reside in Bermuda but not to seek employment until further advised by the Ministry of Labour.

“While we understand the current labour market and the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many local businesses, our aim is always to ensure the effective use of policies that create capacity in the labour force for Bermudians.

“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 the Bermuda College at www.college.bm.”

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Comments (3)

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  1. Clarify please? says:

    What does this mean???

    “The partner of a Bermudian, Permanent Resident Certificate holder, Non-Bermudian on a work permit, or other legal residents of Bermuda will generally be allowed to reside in Bermuda but not to seek employment until further advised by the Ministry of Labour.”

    Partner of a Bermudian? So a spouse of a Bermudian is not allowed to seek employment? This doesn’t make sense. We want Bermudians to return home but they won’t be able to afford to live here if their spouse can’t work?

    Please tell me that I am interrupting this statement incorrectly!

    • Nat says:

      You would simply have to apply for permission to seek employment so that when you receive permission from the minister that you are married to a Bermudian they will then give you a letter to say you can now seek. meaning you can’t just do it without their knowledge you can’t just come to Bermuda and go get work you have to have a legal document that says you can do it they most likely won’t deny you if you’re married to Bermuda and you just have to go to the whole process

      • James Robinson says:

        I suspect it’s just slightly confusing terminology. The wife of a person with Bermuda status, or who has been naturalised by the governor, can not be restricted from seeking or taking employment in Bermuda*. The unmarried partners of such a person can be so restricted.

        The ministry is likely clarifying that what used to be common, for the partners of Work Permit holders to be granted permission to seek employment while residing here, now needs to be gained separately and will usually be declined.

        *Don’t take legal advice off of someone on a blog; I am not a lawyer.