Job categories off-limits to work permit holders have been changed – with a moratorium extended by five months from the beginning of next year until the end of May 2023.

“General bartenders” have been moved from the list of restricted jobs to the “closed” category, according to Jason Hayward, the economy and labour minister.

He said “guest service agents” had also been added to the list of more than 40 jobs deemed as closed.

My Hayward added that college and training courses were “being planned in partnership with local employers” for bartenders.

Restrictions were ramped up in November 2020 in response to rampant unemployment of Bermudians caused by the pandemic.

There are now 46 jobs closed to work permit holders – and a further 11 deemed “restricted”.

Applications for restricted jobs are governed by the same rules as applications in the “open” category, under section 3.7 of Bermuda’s work permit policy.

But employers must apply for a maximum term of one year – and give evidence that candidates put forward by the Department of Workforce Development had been considered for the job.

At present, the department has ten working days to put forward candidates in response to queries from employers.

If no response is received, employers can put forward their applications with written evidence that they made enquiries.

The partner of a Bermudian, the holder of a Permanent Resident’s Certificate, non-Bermudians on work permits, or other legal resident of Bermuda who has already received permission to reside, are all able to apply for jobs.

Partners who do not have permission to reside may apply to reside and seek employment.

Details on “partner-genuine and subsisting relationships” are given on the government website here.

The ministry highlighted the need for policies getting Bermudians back to work, in light of labour challenges and the continuing impact of the pandemic.

Anyone looking to boost their skills and job credentials can sign up with the Department of Workforce Development at dwd@gov.bm.

Further education options at the Bermuda College are also recommended, the ministry said.