The last policy document was published in 2017
The new policy will update the Department of Immigration’s Work Permit Policy. The consultation paper is available for public feedback from 5 June 2025 to 4 July 2025.
One of the Government’s goals with the new policy is to ensure the proper balance between employment and immigration in Bermuda. This includes having 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 permitted to work in Bermuda.
During the past fiscal year, the Department of Immigration processed more than 10,000 work permit-related applications.
The Work Permit Policy, in conjunction with Part V of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956, provides detailed guidance to employers, work permit holders, and agents who submit work permit applications. It also assists Bermudians with understanding what is expected of employers, i.e. for job promotions, job title changes, and advertisements.
The Ministry of Economy and Labour in conjunction with the Department of Immigration, undertook a comprehensive review of the Work Permit Policy over the last two years during which time input was sought from key stakeholders, including the Board of Immigration, the Department’s Work Permits and Compliance Sections, and industry partners. The review aims to:
- clarify areas where interpretation was too wide and varied,
- streamline policies where appropriate,
- introduce new policies to address emerging needs,
- establish realistic processing timelines,
- ensure transparency and fairness, and,
- support Bermuda’s efforts to attract new business and stimulate economic growth.
The new policy is focused on improving the efficiency of the system while managing applicants’ expectations. The time for the processing of Standard Work Permits has been increased from 20 working days to 30 working days reflecting a more realistic processing timeframe.
A new Family Office Permit has been introduced in alignment of with Bermuda’s new Family Office Framework. Short Term Work Permits will no longer serve as a bridge for Standard Work Permits. If an employer is likely to require a work permit holder for more than 6 months, they must apply for a Standard Work Permit of at least 1 year validity.
Salary bands for Sponsored Dependents have been enhanced to exclude the work permit holders and spouses from the household profile and a new salary band has been added for households of four or more dependents. It is also made clear that spouses are not deemed to be sponsored dependents. Only unmarried partners and children are classified as dependents.
Following the end of the consultation period, it is anticipated that the Work Permit Policy document will be finalised, and will come into effect on September 1, 2025.
A copy of the draft Policy can be found here.
