Due to the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bermuda and its impact on persons unable to work, the Department of Immigration wishes to advise the public that the moratorium on issuing new Work Permits for the below Closed Categories per section 3.6 of the currently published Work Permit Policy has been extended an additional three (3) months until July 31, 2021.

Please note that Residential Cleaners have been added to the list of Closed Job Categories.

In parallel to this work permit moratorium in the immigration area, the Ministry is extremely pleased with the Department of Workforce Development’s success in providing assistance to aid in the re-employment of Bermudians. To date, one hundred and seventy-six (176) unemployed Bermudians have been provided with a mix of training, professional development and internships. The Department of Workforce Development continues to collaborate with key industry stakeholders, HR professionals and training providers to facilitate training and career development opportunities that prepare unemployed Bermudians to become positioned and job-ready in targeted occupations in the workforce, specifically the restricted and closed job categories.

Members of the public requiring services or assistance with the Bermuda Job Board or registering for the many free virtual learning, training and development webinars that will help enhance their training, career development and employment opportunities may contact the Department at 297-7714 or via email at dwd@gov.bm.

The Minister of Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, commented, “During this period when restrictions have been re-implemented to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we recognize that the employment situation for many has worsened. Accordingly, it is important to continue with strong measures to encourage the hiring of Bermudians in the workforce.”

The three-month extension applies to new work permit applications only and will not affect renewals of existing work permits. The Moratorium on new permits is in the following occupational categories:

1. Bank Teller

2. General Bartender

3. Commercial Cleaner

4. Residential Cleaner

5. Fisherman

6. Travel Agent/Consultant

7. Administrative Assistant

8. Room Attendant

9. Kitchen Porter

10. Dish/Pot Washer

11. Kitchen Assistant (or similar)

12. Tennis Instructors

13. Golf Instructors

14. Handyman

15. Reporters/Journalists

16. HR Officer/Manager

17. Recruiter

18. Customer Car/Service Rep

19. Seasonal Work Permits

20. Interns

21. Carpet Installer

22. Entertainer/Musician

23. Technician salesperson

24. General Carpenter

25. Landscape Gardener (entry level)

26. Photographer

27. Waiter/Server

28. Personal/Executive Assistant

29. Barber

30. Senior Clerk

31. Warehouse Clerk

32. Security guard

33. Laundry Attendant

34. Real estate agent

35. Teaching Aide

36. Para professional

37. Legal executive

38. Librarian

39. Public Relations officer

40. Child care assistant

41. Electrician

42. Plumber

By way of reference, the following are the Closed Category Jobs that were previously included in section 3.6 of the Work Permit Policy, and these will remain unchanged:

1. Airline Ground Agent

2. Retail Floor Supervisor

3. General Labourer

4. Office Receptionist

5. Painter

6. Salesperson

7. Tourist Retail Salesperson

8. Taxi Driver

9. Wallpaper Technician

10. Grocery Packer

11. Cashier

12. Courier

Each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda app. Do the research, talk with your doctor and make an informed decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.