BERMUDA-Government extends moratorium on specific categories of work permits.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – The Bermuda government says it has extended by three months the moratorium on “closed job categories” ranging from administrative assistant to warehouse clerk.

In a statement, the Ministry of Economy and Labour said the new extension took effect on December 1 and remains unchanged from the prior three-month period ending November 30 this year.

The authorities also announced that the list of restricted job categories under the Work Permit Policy remains unchanged from the prior three-month period ending in November this year.

The list includes tennis instructors and waiters, and the ministry said that according to the Work Permit Policy, “the application process for jobs in the Restricted job categories is the same as that for the Open category, except the employer must apply for a maximum term of one (1) year”.

In addition, the employer will have to submit evidence that any candidates screened and recommended by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) have been appropriately considered.

The government said that the DWD is expected to respond to enquiries by employers within 10 working days and that, should no response be forthcoming from DWD, the employer may apply 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 apply to seek employment.

“Partners who do not have permission to reside may apply to reside and seek employment,” the statement said, adding “the policy relating to partners was updated in September 2025.”

The Ministry of Economy and Labour says it “remains focused on ensuring that our policies create meaningful job opportunities for Bermudians” and that 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,” it added.