Key Updates To Bermuda's Work Permit Policy 2025

• Published date: 30 October 2025
• Law Firm: Carey Olsen
• Author: Mr Michael Hanson, Jay Webster, Bradley Houlston, Cheri Wainwright, Marcus Symonds and Julian Mallory

Changes to hiring processes

Reasons for not hiring local candidates (Section 1.6)

Employers must more clearly state in work permit applications why a Bermudian, spouse of Bermudian, or PRC holder was not selected over a work permit applicant, specifying the skills or experience lacking.

Further, the policy now specifies that employers will be expected to fill jobs in the following order: (i) Bermudians; (ii) Belongers (we understand this to mean naturalised British Overseas Territories Citizens); (iii) spouses of Belongers; (iv) spouses, widows, and widowers of Bermudians; (v) divorced parents of Bermudians; (vi) Permanent Resident's Certificate holders; (vii) persons with a qualifying Bermudian connection (e.g. the parent of a Bermudian); (viii) other non-Bermudians. It is unclear how immigration will seek to enforce this hierarchy in practice.

Waivers of advertising (Section 1.14)

Automatic waivers now additionally apply to: presidents, managing directors, and directors (with submission of an org chart); resort hotel general managers; and fintech and family office permits. Where waivers aren't granted automatically, they will be considered by the minister on merit.

Employment contracts, accommodations and personal documents (Section 1.17)

Signed copies of employment contracts must be included with work permit applications, and any subsequent changes must be submitted to immigration.

Consulting with statutory bodies (Section 3.12)

Employers must now obtain council approval before applying for certain regulated roles, allowing up to 15 working days for response.

This requirement has the potential to significantly increase work permit turnaround times...