HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – The Bermuda government has announced new measures to its work permit requirements for 12 months, saying they are designed to strengthen employment opportunities for Bermudians while ensuring key industries can continue to meet operational demands.
In a statement, the Ministry of Economy and Labour said that measures relating to Bermuda’s Closed and Restricted Job Categories went into effect from March 1 this year until February 28, 2027.
“Bermudians will always come first under this Government. That principle is not negotiable, and it does not change with targeted adjustments to work permit policy within the hospitality and aviation sectors,” said Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward.
“Bermuda’s immigration laws require that Bermudians be given the first opportunity to apply for available jobs. Work permits are granted only where no suitably qualified Bermudian has applied or where the necessary skills cannot be sourced locally. That safeguard remains firmly in place.”
Hayward said that the economy of the British Overseas Territory functions as an ecosystem. “Strong industries create jobs. A skilled Bermudian workforce fills and sustains them. Protecting Bermudian employment requires both safeguarding those opportunities and ensuring that the industries that generate those jobs remain competitive and operational.
“In light of recognised labour shortages in the areas of hospitality and aviation, which are made worse by our aging population and low unemployment rate, some adjustments are being made,” Hayward said.
The Government said several roles within the aviation and hospitality sectors will shift to a different category, and the maximum duration of work permits for Restricted Job Categories will increase from 1 year to 2 years.
It said that within the aviation sector, several roles will move into the Closed Job Category, including aircraft licensed mechanic, cabin services agent, and passenger service agent.
It also said that several aviation roles will move into the Restricted Job Category, including aviation security guards, ramp attendants, and ramp senior operators.
“All positions must be advertised to ensure that suitably qualified Bermudians are given the first opportunity. Employers must monitor the number of work permit holders they hire and report to the Ministry annually when employment levels reach a 50 per cent Bermudian threshold.”
The Government is also making adjustments to the hospitality sector, with bartenders and room attendants moving from the Closed Job Category to the Restricted Job Category for hotels and restaurants only.
“These jobs will remain in the Restricted Job category for one year. After this period, hotels and restaurants must report the number of Bermudians and work permit holders employed. “The ‘General Bartender’ job will remain in the Closed Job category for all other businesses.
All positions must be advertised to ensure suitably qualified Bermudians are given the first opportunity, and a career fair must be held. Employers must monitor the number of work permit holders they hire and report to the Ministry annually when employment levels reach 50 per cent of the Bermudian threshold.”
The authorities said the Closed Job Category list, updated from the prior three-month period ending February 28, 2026, now includes at least 41 categories, including administrative assistant, bank teller, cashier, childcare assistant, debt collector, entertainer/musician, and executive secretary/assistant.
The Government says that in accordance with 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 two years and submit evidence that any candidates screened and recommended by the Department of Workforce Development (“DWD”) have been appropriately considered.
The Ministry of Economy and Labour said it “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.”
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