A reminder was issued to residents today about the penalties associated with breaches of work permit conditions and immigration laws.

The Government said that the information addressed the most common complaints received by the relevant compliance section.

“It serves as a reminder to all residents, visitors, work permit holders and employers of the importance of adhering to Bermuda's immigration regulations,” a statement added.

Punishment when people are found to be working without a work permit include civil penalties that can be levied on the individual and the employer, which must be paid before a new work permit is considered.

The worker can be asked to settle their affairs and leave the island, with no consideration of a new work permit for at least a year from their departure.

They can also be placed on the Bermuda stop list.

In the case of work permit holders whose employment is terminated for misconduct, the worker can be told to leave the island with no new work permit considered for at least 12 months. They will not be given permission to reside and seek employment.

Anyone working outside the scope of their work permit can be subject to a civil penalty, which can also be levied on their employer. These must be paid before a new work permit is considered.

The statement said: “The individual may be directed to settle their affairs and leave Bermuda.

“A new work permit will not be considered for at least 12 months from date of departure from Bermuda.”

Visitors who overstay beyond 180 days will be told to immediately depart the island, with re-entry potentially prohibited for at least a year from the date of departure.

The individual may be placed on the Bermuda stop list.

Visitors engaging in employment will be told to leave the island immediately and they could be placed on the stop list.

The statement added: “A civil penalty may be levied on the individual. If a civil penalty is imposed, it must be paid before the individual can return to Bermuda or be removed from the stop list.

“A civil penalty may be levied on the employer, which must be immediately paid, failure to pay may affect future work permit approvals.”

It said: “Non-Bermudian spouses whose divorce from a Bermudian is finalised must regularise their immigration status within 90 days of the date of the final divorce decree.”

The statement added that these people must apply for a work permit if they are already employed in Bermuda or, if not working, apply for permission to reside and seek employment.

Alternatively they can apply for ex-spouse’s employment rights.

The statement said: “Individuals who continue to reside in Bermuda without the minister’s permission may be directed to immediately settle their affairs and leave Bermuda.

“Those found working without permission may face civil penalties for both the individual and employer.

“The individual may be placed on the Bermuda stop list.”

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, added: “The Department of Immigration plays a vital role in maintaining fairness, order and integrity within Bermuda’s labour market.

“While most residents and employers comply with the law, we must ensure that breaches are consistently and firmly addressed.

“These enforcement measures are not about punishment, they are about ensuring a level playing field for all, protecting job opportunities for Bermudians and upholding the standards that support our workforce and economy.

“I urge all employers and individuals to familiarise themselves with the relevant immigration requirements and to seek guidance from the department when in doubt.”

The Government statement added that the department “carefully reviews each complaint or case in line with Bermuda’s laws and immigration policies”.

• For more information, visit gov.bm/department/immigration or call 246-8093