Update On Restricted & Closed Job Categories
The Ministry of Economy and Labour issued an update on Restricted and Closed job categories.
A Government spokesperson said, “Effective December 1st, 2025, 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 February 28th, 2026.
“The following list of Closed job categories is unchanged from the prior three-month period ending November 30th, 2025:
- Administrative Assistant
- Airline Ground Agent
- Bank Teller
- Carpet Installer
- Cashier
- Childcare Assistant
- Courier
- Customer Care/ Service Rep
- Debt Collector
- Deckhand
- Dispatcher Road Transport
- Entertainer/ Musician
- Executive Secretary/Assistant
- Fisherman
- General Bartender
- General Labourer
- Golf Instructors
- Grocery Packer
- Guest Service Agent
- Handyman
- HR Officer/ Manager
- Intern
- Laundry Attendant
- Legal Clerk
- Librarian
- Office Receptionist
- Painter
- Para-Professional
- Photographer
- Pool/Beach Attendant
- Public Relations Officer
- Real Estate Agent
- Retail Floor Supervisor
- Room Attendant
- Salesperson
- Seasonal Work Permits
- Security Guard
- Senior Clerk
- Taxi Driver
- Teaching Aide
- Technician salesperson
- Telephone Switchboard Operator
- Tourist Retail Salesperson
- Travel Agent/ Consultant
- Wallpaper Technician
- Warehouse Clerk
“The following list of restricted job categories included under the Work Permit Policy is unchanged from the prior three-month period ending November 30th, 2025:
- Dish/ Pot Washer
- Electrician
- General Carpenter
- Kitchen Assistant
- Kitchen Porter
- Landscape Gardener [Entry Level]
- Plumber
- Residential/ Commercial Cleaner
- Tennis instructor
- Waiter/ Server
“According to the Work Permit Policy, Section 3.9, 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.
“As a reminder, 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 apply to seek employment. Partners who do not have permission to reside may apply to reside and seek employment. The policy relating to partners was updated in September 2025. Further details on Partner Residence Application Guidelines are available online at gov.bm.
“The Ministry of Economy and Labour remains focused on ensuring that our policies create meaningful job opportunities for Bermudians. The Closed and Restricted Job Categories are designed to encourage employers to prioritise Bermudian talent and invest in their development. As Bermuda’s employment landscape evolves, the Ministry will continue to adjust these policies to reflect changing workforce needs and ensure that Bermudians remain at the centre of our economic progress.
“Individuals looking to increase their skillsets and employability are always encouraged to register with the Department of Workforce Development at dwd.bm and explore more options for further education through Bermuda College at www.college.bm.”
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