Short-term ‘bridge’ option remains for work permits
Short-term work permits will continue to be available as a “bridge” to the granting of substantive permits, the Minister of Economy and Labour said.
Jason Hayward told MPs that the measure will remain in place as it was a key concern of employers.
The move contrasts with an earlier announcement in June, when the minister said employers must determine their business needs upfront.
Mr Hayward told the House of Assembly on Friday that the option was also being kept in recognition of the need to progress the digitalisation of the Department of Immigration.
Updates to the work permit policy will take effect on November 1, he said.
In June, Mr Hayward said all permit applicants were required to have a working knowledge of the English language, and he said the burden of proof to ensure that rested with employers.
On Friday, he clarified that the requirement for people to be proficient in the English language will apply, generally, to anyone seeking a new standard work permit.
He added: “The exceptions will be persons who are nationals of countries where English is the native language, and the policy identifies those countries.
“Also, those persons possessing a certificate, diploma or degree from an English language university or college will not be required to provide proof of English language proficiency.”
Mr Hayward noted that police certificates are required for work permit applicants coming to the island for the first time.
He said this was to “ensure continued security and safety of our community”
The minister added: “The police certificates are required from the applicant’s home country, plus any country of residence for the two years immediately preceding the work permit application.”
Mr Hayward said that the grace period for individuals who are required to settle their affairs and leave the island will remain at 90 days.
“Further, if more time beyond 90 days is required to accommodate school commitments, for example, written justification can be submitted for consideration,” he added.
In June, the public were invited to provide feedback on plans to update the work-permit policy, which was geared to set processing times for standard applications to six weeks.
Consultation for the draft policy ran from June 5 through July 4.
On Friday, Mr Hayward said that 137 responses were received from members of the public and the business community.
“The volume of feedback received from both business associations and the public was extensive, indicating that the impact of immigration decisions are keenly felt across the community,” he said.
He said the policy in place dates back to 2017 and as such the update was “necessary and overdue”.
Mr Hayward said the Government’s goal is to ensure the proper balance between employment and immigration in Bermuda.
He said: “There is a need to have in place realistic conditions that enable Bermudians to find work and pursue career opportunities while ensuring that suitably qualified non-Bermudians in specific job categories are able to work in Bermuda.”
Mr Hayward confirmed that permit holders will be required to complete two years of employment with their initial employer.
He said the measure was put in place in response to employers’ concerns regarding employees leaving soon after they have made a significant investment in recruiting and bringing on an employee.
It was also considered to prevent work permit holders from obtaining multiple permits from different employers simultaneously.
“In addition, for new work permits, job changes will not be approved in the first year after issuance,” he added.
For renewed work permits, he said job changes will not be approved within the first six months after issuance.
• To read the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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