Work-permit policy updates reflect response to feedback
Work-permit applications for holders who wish to change jobs can be considered by authorities earlier than previous policy dictated thanks to a series of amendments, the labour minister has announced.
Jason Hayward said that the updates reflected a commitment to making sure that approaches to immigration balanced employers’ needs with a fair approach to recruitment and residency in all employment categories.
He added that they demonstrated the ministry’s response to continuous feedback.
With regards to Work Permit Policy 1.10, seeking employment, Mr Hayward said: “Following the completion of two years’ employment with an initial employer, for new work permits, job changes will not be considered within the first six months after the permit is issued, and for renewal work permits, job changes will not be considered within the first three months after issuance.
“Previously, work-permit holders had to wait one year and six months, respectively, before they could change jobs.
“Absolute adherence to the restricted periods for seeking employment must be followed.”
The Minister of Economy and Labour said that the amendments also added clarity around the requirement to repay application fees in cases where an appeal is upheld.
Another section was strengthened “to provide greater transparency on the types of penalties that can be levied for breaches against the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 and immigration policies”.
Mr Hayward said that the requirement for proficiency in English has been updated and applies to short-term, standard, global, intra-company transfer, new business, fintech and family office work-permit holders.
He added: “The requirement to submit passport-size photos for dependents has been removed.
“This is particularly applicable where an entry/re-entry document is requested.”
The minister said: “If a work-permit holder is terminated because of unsatisfactory performance, such as misconduct or gross misconduct, the employer must submit written notification to the Department of Immigration.”
On promotions, he added: “Employers may only promote a work-permit holder on a renewed work permit, provided the policy guidelines are followed, ie, obtaining prior written permission from the Department of Immigration, internal advertising, etc”
Further, instead of updating the list of restricted and closed job categories every three months, Mr Hayward said that the listings from March 1 will remain effective to February 28, 2027.
He reminded employers of their responsibility to make sure that work permit holders they wish to hire are proficient in English and use the following testing centres:
• International English Language Testing System — minimum test score: 4
• Test of English as a Foreign Language — minimum test score: 42
• Duolingo English Test — minimum test score: 75
• Test of English for International Communication — minimum test score: 550
• Pearson Test of English — minimum test score: 43
The immigration department announced a lowering of minimum pass rates for work-permit applicants taking certain required English proficiency tests in April after business leaders toldThe Royal Gazette that the assessments were hampering their ability to hire overseas staff in response to labour shortages.
The tests were designed for university-level students — an academic exercise rather than a practical test of the ability to communicate effectively at work, they argued.
Mr Hayward said: “Employers are reminded that they can submit appeals if the ‘speaking’ score exceeds the total minimum score.
“Without a doubt, the Work Permit Policy document will continue to evolve with the next wave of amendments expected to occur in October 2026.”
• To review the work-permit policy, see “Related Media”
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