Work permit English fluency to protect Bermudian jobs
Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, gave details in the House of Assembly on English language requirements for new expatriate workers that came into force as of November 1.
Mr Hayward explained that work permit holders already on the island will not have to show proof of aptitude in English unless formal complaints are received by the Department of Immigration.
The detail came in response to questions from Douglas De Couto, the Shadow Minister of Finance, who told Mr Hayward that it was his understanding “there could be up to 150 Cuban nationals working at the Fairmont Southampton site, who have come here directly from Cuba”.
Mr Hayward responded that there had been “no formal complaints” on Cuban workers at the resort. However, he said the requirement would not have been in place at the time their work permit applications were submitted.
He added: “As of November 1, all employees on any new work permits coming in would have to prove English proficiency.”
He said: “Prior to November 1, there was not a test or burden of proof required.”
Mr Hayward clarified that there would be no automatic testing requirement for workers renewing their permits — unless their working fluency emerged as an issue.
It came up as Mr Hayward reviewed efforts over the past year to support local workers.
He described the measures in light of the 2025 job market employment briefs released on October 23 showing Bermudian worker numbers running to stand still to keep up with local staff leaving the workforce.
Mr Hayward told the House that new Bermudian staff were simply “replacing those who are retiring” — as reflected in the 2023-24 statistics, with Bermudians accounting for a mere 0.1 per cent of the 585 new jobs.
He added: “The impact of our population’s demographic profile on our Bermudian job numbers cannot be overemphasised.”
Mr Hayward referenced his March 13, 2024 position paper on retaining local workers, which highlighted the dilemma of the island’s declining birth rate, ageing population and “evidence of an increase in the emigration of our local population”.
He outlined efforts since that time, such as increasing the minimum hourly wage rate to $17.13; raising the allowable severance pay; and amendments to work permit policy protecting Bermudians from being “first out during layoffs when there are work permit holders in similar positions”.
Other measures enacted on work permit policy included “a hiring hierarchy which places Bermudians first”, and regular revisions to the list of closed and restricted job categories.
Mr Hayward also affirmed the Government’s partnership with trade unions to support collective bargaining and union organising.
He said a policy was now under review by the Labour Advisory Council to advance pay transparency. Additionally, guidelines are to be issued to employers on keeping workers over age 65.
• To read the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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