Government announces changes to restricted job categories
Bans and restrictions on new work permits in certain categories have been extended to the end of July, the Government announced today.
The Ministry of Labour said that debt collectors, telephone switchboard operators, pool and beach attendants, deckhands and road transport dispatchers were added to the closed list of jobs.
A spokesman added that nail technicians and recruiters were moved from the closed to the open list.
Changes will take effect from February 1 for six months, extending the moratorium on new work permits for jobs in the closed list to July 31.
The list of restricted job categories was revised to include kitchen porters, dish or pot washers and kitchen assistants.
Applications for work permits in the restricted category follow the same process as those in the open category except that the employer must apply for a maximum term of one year.
The Government’s Work Permit Policy added that the employer was also required to submit evidence that any candidates screened and recommended by the Department of Workforce Development were “properly considered”.
It said: “DWD is expected to respond to inquiries by employers within ten working days.
“Should no response be forthcoming from DWD, the application may be submitted with written evidence that inquiries were made.”
Closed category jobs:
Administrative assistant, airline ground agent, bank teller, barber, carpet installer, cashier, childcare assistant, courier, customer care / service rep, debt collector, deckhand, dispatcher road transport, entertainer / musician, executive secretary / assistant, fisherman, general bartender, general labourer, golf instructors, grocery packer, handyman, HR officer / manager, interns, laundry attendant, legal clerk, librarian, office receptionist, painter, paraprofessional, photographer, pool / beach attendant, public relations officer, real estate agent, retail floor supervisor, room attendant, salesperson, seasonal work permits, security guard, senior clerk, taxi driver, teaching aide, technician salesperson, telephone switchboard operator, tourist retail salesperson, travel agent / consultant, wallpaper technician, warehouse clerk.
Restricted job categories:
Dish / pot washer, electrician, general carpenter, general mason, kitchen assistant, kitchen porter, landscape gardener (entry level), plumber, residential / commercial cleaner, tennis instructor, waiter / server.
The labour ministry spokesman added: “The partner of a Bermudian, Permanent Resident Certificate holder, non-Bermudian on a work permit, or other legal resident of Bermuda who has already received permission to reside may now apply to seek employment.
“Partners who do not have permission to reside may apply to reside and seek employment.”
Guidance about “genuine and subsisting” partner relationships can be found on the Government website.
The spokesman added: “While we understand the current labour market and the significant impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on many local businesses, it is always our aim to ensure the effective use of policies that create capacity in the labour force for Bermudians.
“Individuals looking to increase their skill sets and employability are always encouraged to register with the Department of Workforce Development at dwd@gov.bm and explore more options for further education through the Bermuda College at www.college.bm.”
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