The Government has reminded employers and work-permit holders of the eligibility criteria for sponsored dependents.

Its notice came after recent applications were automatically turned down owing to ineligibility, a spokesman for the Ministry of Economy and Labour said.

He explained that under Section 5 of the Work Permit Policy 2017, a sponsored dependent was defined in three categories.

They included a spouse of a Permanent Resident’s Certificate holder or work-permit holder who was married in accordance with Bermuda law.

The partner of a Bermudian, PRC holder or work permit holder were also defined as sponsored dependents, as were children of a PRC or work permit holder.

The spokesman said: “It is important to note that parents are not considered sponsored dependents under this definition.

“While parents of work-permit holders may apply for permission to reside in Bermuda, they must meet specific criteria.

“These include demonstrating independent financial means of support, providing proof of health insurance and submitting all required documentation with their application.”

• Questions can be directed to the Department of Immigration on 246-8093