Update On Restricted And Closed Job Categories
The Ministry of Economy and Labour issued an update on Restricted and Closed job categories.
A Government spokesperson said, “Effective September 1st, 2024, 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, 2024.
“The following list of Closed job categories is unchanged from the prior three-month period ending August 31st, 2024:
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 restricted job categories included under the Work Permit Policy have been revised to remove General Mason. This decision is to meet the demand expressed by the industry for masons needed for current and future projects. The complete list is as follows:
1. Dish/ Pot Washer
2. Electrician
3. General Carpenter
4. Kitchen Assistant
5. Kitchen Porter
6. Landscape Gardener [Entry Level]
7. Plumber
8. Residential/ Commercial Cleaner
9. Tennis instructor
10. 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.”
“The following list of Closed job categories is unchanged …”
Then why the update? So the Bermuda Government appears to be doing something when in fact is has done nothing?