Government On IB, Restricted Jobs & More
The Government said they “note concerns raised regarding recent updates to the Closed and Restricted Job Categories affecting certain entry-level positions” and explained that while our international business sector is “critical to our economy” its “success must also create meaningful pathways for Bermudians.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Government of Bermuda notes concerns raised regarding recent updates to the Closed and Restricted Job Categories affecting certain entry-level positions within Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance sector. The Government of Bermuda recognises its responsibility to protect job opportunities for Bermudians. Bermuda’s international business sector, including insurance and reinsurance, is critical to our economy. But its success must also create meaningful pathways for Bermudians, particularly young Bermudians seeking their first opportunity to establish a career.
“The entry-level positions now included in the Closed Job Category are the types of roles through which many Bermudians have built successful careers in insurance, reinsurance, claims, underwriting and broking. Young Bermudians should have opportunities to begin their careers in these industries in their own country. These are not simply jobs. They are entry points into careers, and Government has a responsibility to ensure they remain accessible to Bermudians.
“The policy targets identified entry-level positions. It does not prevent businesses from accessing genuinely specialised expertise where required. The Government will continue to consider legitimate operational circumstances within the established immigration framework, while ensuring that genuine entry-level opportunities remain available to Bermudians.
“Bermuda can remain open to international business while ensuring Bermudians are positioned to participate in the opportunities that business creates. These objectives are not mutually exclusive. As the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, stated: ‘Avenues for success must remain available for Bermudians, and employment opportunities such as these must remain accessible.’
“The updated Closed and Restricted Job Categories took effect on 8 September 2026. The Government will continue to work with industry to protect opportunities for Bermudians while maintaining a competitive and successful international business sector.”
“The Government of Bermuda notes concerns raised regarding recent updates to the Closed and Restricted Job Categories affecting certain entry-level positions within Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance sector. The Government of Bermuda recognises its responsibility to protect job opportunities for Bermudians. Bermuda’s international business sector, including insurance and reinsurance, is critical to our economy. But its success must also create meaningful pathways for Bermudians, particularly young Bermudians seeking their first opportunity to establish a career.”
Those are nice words, but what is a business to do when a position needs to be filled in a closed category and no Bermudian applies?
It means that the position that needs to be filled cannot be filled.
If anyone at immigration (or those advising) had ever run a successful business they would know that simple fact.
Bermuda has been fortunate up to now to not have a Minister for IB. They have been mostly left alone and have given no reason for concern.
Now we have an incompetent person wanting to push them around. Classic PLP case of if it’s not broken, break it. No need for entry level jobs here as there are plenty of low cost alternatives, but IB maintain them, for now, in the same way they donate millions to charities.
He will learn that any tampering with work permits will produce the same result as before, namely the jobs will disappear.