BERMUDA-Government clarifies Bermuda’s work permit policy.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – The Bermuda government Friday said that the challenges facing the island’s labor market are not due to a lack of economic growth but to the demographic reality of an aging population and a shrinking workforce.

“Bermuda’s immigration policy is not simply about filling vacancies. It is about striking the right balance between supporting economic growth and protecting opportunities for Bermudians,” said Economy and Labor Minister Jason Hayward.

“As our population ages and our workforce changes, immigration will continue to play an important role in addressing genuine labor shortages. At the same time, we remain committed to investing in education, apprenticeships, workforce development, and policies that ensure Bermudians are first in line for employment opportunities. Together, these efforts will help build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone,” he added.

In a statement, the Ministry of Economy and Labor said that recent public discussion regarding Bermuda’s work permit policy provides an opportunity to clarify the challenges facing the labor market and the principles that continue to guide the Government’s approach to immigration and workforce development.

It said that as more Bermudians retire and fewer enter the labor force, employers across many sectors are experiencing increasing difficulty filling vacancies.

“The facts demonstrate that Bermuda’s economy continues to grow. Employment has increased, unemployment remains at historically low levels, tourism has strengthened, international business continues to invest, and construction activity remains robust.”

The ministry said these conditions indicate a labor market in which demand for workers exceeds the available local labor supply.

“The challenge facing many employers is not a lack of jobs, but a shortage of available workers driven by Bermuda’s changing demographics,” the ministry said, adding that the Government’s work permit policy is designed to strike an appropriate balance between supporting economic growth and ensuring that qualified Bermudians receive the first opportunity to compete for available employment.

“Immigration remains an important part of Bermuda’s labor market, but it must also complement long-term efforts to develop and protect the local workforce.”

The ministry said that to support these objectives, the Government has introduced several policy measures that strengthen employment opportunities for Bermudians while enabling employers to address genuine labor shortages where local workers are unavailable.

These measures include expanding the list of closed occupations where work permits are no longer available because qualified Bermudians are available, expanding restricted occupations, requiring employers to demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit Bermudians before seeking overseas workers, introducing measures that promote greater stability within the work permit system for both employers and employees and reserving summer employment and internship opportunities exclusively for Bermudians, ensuring young people gain valuable early work experience.

The Government said it also recognizes that employers require an efficient and responsive immigration system. That work continues to modernize immigration services through digital transformation and process improvements, while ensuring the immigration framework supports Bermuda’s long-term economic development objectives.

“At the same time, the Government continues to invest in education, apprenticeships, workforce development, and skills training to prepare more Bermudians for careers in sectors experiencing labor shortages. Immigration and workforce development are complementary policies that together support a strong, resilient, and competitive economy.

“As Bermuda’s population continues to age, maintaining a sustainable workforce will require a balanced approach that protects opportunities for Bermudians while ensuring employers have access to the skills needed to support continued economic growth.”

The Government said it remains committed to pursuing policies that strengthen Bermuda’s economy, invest in its people, and ensure immigration continues to address genuine labor market needs in ways that benefit the island as a whole.