Changes To Department Of Immigration's Work Permit Policy Are Here

• Published date: 30 October 2025
• Law Firm: Appleby
• Author: Anna Markiewicz

It has been over ten years since Bermuda's Department of Immigration released a policy with respect to how it administers the Bermuda Immigration Act 1956 (Act), the legislation that requires all persons who engage in gainful occupation in Bermuda to obtain specific permission to work, unless they are Bermudian, a PRC holder or fall into another similar designated category. After a recent public consultation and further amendments, the Work Permit Policy 2025 (Policy) is scheduled to become effective as of November 1, 2025. The Policy is intended to create a more transparent and efficient system, while balancing the employment of Bermudians with the need for international workers. It is also designed to improve the quality of submissions and provide clearer guidance on requirements to be met. This article discusses some of the key changes outlined in the new Policy that may be of interest to potential employers.

English Language Proficiency Requirement

The Policy introduces a new English language proficiency requirement for all foreign nationals for standard work permits in an effort to ensure that all persons coming to work in Bermuda have a working knowledge of the English language sufficient to perform their duties in a safe manner. Previously, this requirement applied only to Portuguese citizens. It now applies to everyone who is not a national of a country where English is the native language and who does not have a degree from a university or college where the language of instruction is English.

The burden is on the...