The Bermuda Government is keeping 46 job categories off limits to new work permits for another three months.

The moratorium, which would have ended this month, has been pushed to the end of November by the Ministry of Economy and Labour.

The closed jobs list, which is unchanged, means no new permits will be granted.

Restricted job categories, numbering 11, also remain unchanged from the previous period

Limits were tightened in November 2020 in response to the unemployment crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic

Restricted jobs, compared with jobs in the “open” category, mean that employers are required to apply for a maximum one-year term.

Evidence must be submitted showing any candidates from the Department of Workforce Development have been considered.

The department should respond to employer queries within ten working days — but in the event of no response, employers can put in applications with evidence in writing to show that a query was made.

The partner of a Bermudian, holder of a Permanent Resident’s Certificate, non-Bermudian on a work permit or other legal residents of the island already given permission to reside are now approved apply to seek employment.

Partners who do not have permission to reside may apply to reside and seek employment, with details on the government website.

The rules for “sponsored dependents” fall under section five of work permit policy, which came into effect in 2015.