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Government seeing increase in work permit holders trying to change jobs

The Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward, who is also responsible for immigration (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

The Government has seen a rise in work permit holders trying to change jobs or end their contracts prematurely, the Department of Immigration said today.

According to the 2017 Work Permit Policy, permit holders who have worked on the island for less than two years can change jobs if made redundant or if they file a formal complaint against their employer with the Ministry of the Economy and Labour.

If the ministry approves their requests request, the worker’s minimum two-year requirement will be waived. If denied, the guest worker can either stay with their initial employer for the two years or leave the island.

A ministry spokesman said the Department of Immigration had seen an increase in inquiries and work permit applications for work permit holders who have worked for their initial employer for less than two years.

“Should the work permit holder choose to settle their affairs and depart Bermuda, they can only secure work in Bermuda once the initially contracted two-year period of employment expires,” said the spokesman.

“Employers have invested time and financial resources in recruiting workers from overseas, and the policy is designed to protect that investment.”

The Ministry urges both employers and guest workers to review the work permit policy.

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Published December 30, 2022 at 2:43 pm (Updated December 30, 2022 at 2:43 pm)

Government seeing increase in work permit holders trying to change jobs

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