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About Us
Bermudian Applicants FAQ Overseas Applicants FAQ How To Apply Immigration Checklist Employee Handbook |
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Overseas Applicants Frequently Asked Questions
Are non-Bermudians able to work in Bermuda? Yes, a non-Bermudian may apply for employment in Bermuda. However, the employer must first advertise locally to seek Bermudians for the position. If no Bermudians apply, and you are successful with your application for employment, then an application for a work permit can be submitted to the Department of Immigration, which is subject to their approval. If all criteria is met, a permit will be issued at which time you will be notified and arrangements to enter Bermuda will be made. If you work or have worked on a cruise ship that enters Bermuda, it is Bermuda Immigration policy that you cannot apply or seek employment in Bermuda whilst in dock on the island and until six months after you have terminated your employment with the cruise line. No applications will be accepted in these circumstances.
Are there many non-Bermudians working in Bermuda? Bermuda has a small population of about 65,000 people. About 25% of its working population is from overseas and from countries around the globe.
Is there an age limit to be able to work in Bermuda? It is illegal to hire any person to work in Bermuda from overseas unless they are 21 years or over.
What is the difference between seasonal and full time staff? Two of our restaurant locations currently employ seasonal staff. This means that an employee is brought in for two fast track permits of three months duration each. The contract is different and the employee does not have the same Immigration coverage as a full permit employee. This also means that as long as the employee has not worked over a 6 month period, at the end of the seasonal permit, the employee will receive back the employee portion of the payments made to Social Insurance (currently $26.80 per week) and any other required deposit linked to their individual contract. If a seasonal employee works one day over the 6 months, then the money is held until you are 65 years of age. Full time employees, who leave within a 6 month period, are not eligible to claim their social insurance funds back in cash as “they were employed with the intent to work on a longer term basis” and will need to wait until they are 65 years of age to claim their funds, as explained above.
How long will my application take? An application for a fast track permit usually takes three weeks to process from the date of submission to Immigration locally. This does not mean that you can book your ticket to come as soon as the three weeks are over, as there are sometimes delays, and you cannot enter Bermuda until a work permit has been issued.
What is the difference between a fast track permit and full permit? A fast track permit can be given if you are required as soon as possible. This lasts a maximum of three months. However, if the company is hiring you on a full time basis under full contract, you will be required to supply all the documents for a full permit (as enclosed in our job offer) to the HR department immediately you are on the island.
Do I need a Bermuda Entry visa? If you are considered a visa controlled national, you will need to apply for a BERMUDA ENTRY VISA from the British Embassy in your country. You will need the original copy of your Bermuda issued work permit for this application, which will be sent to you upon receipt from the Department of Immigration. A list of visa controlled nationals can be seen on the Bermuda Government website ( http://www.immigration.gov.bm). All visas to allow you to travel are your own responsibility to obtain.
What do I need to do to book an airline ticket? Bermuda Immigration requires that you travel on a return ticket on your first entry to Bermuda. You must be in possession of a round trip ticket valid for a MINIMUM of 6 months from the date of entry. We encourage you to book a ticket that you can change without penalty or for a small fee. Once you have received an initial full one year work permit, the conditions of your stay in Bermuda will change and you will then be allowed to travel on a one way ticket basis. For more information, please consult your local travel agent or airline of choice. The company does not purchase airline tickets for any incoming employee under any circumstances.
What health insurance coverage do you offer and what is the cost? Your health insurance will cover you for the following: Local health coverage: You will be covered for approximately 80% of all doctor’s visits, dental, and prescriptions. The remaining 20% will be paid by the employee at the time of service. All hospital fees will be paid in full. Overseas health coverage: Full major medical coverage. Complete details of coverage will be given at time of sign up. Life Insurance: The employee is covered under a life insurance policy for $50,000. This coverage is only available during the time of employment with the company and is cancelled immediately upon termination of employment. You are entitled to 10 days paid sick leave per year after you have completed your 6 months probationary period. If you have an accident resulting in an injury that causes you to be off work for a period of time, you will be covered for loss of wages under “accident coverage” up to 75% of your salary, provided it is covered by an original doctor/hospital certificate and you are not under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances. Social Insurance: This is a mandatory fund provided by the Bermuda Government for the purpose of retirement. The employer pays 50% and the employee pays 50%. This money is for your pension when you reach the age of 65. You will be registered at sign in with the company and you will be sent a card with your personal social insurance number on it. This should be used for all correspondence in regard to your fund and for claiming the funds from the Bermuda Government when you reach the age of 65.
Main deductions are as follows but are subject to change annually: Health insurance: $40.50 per week Social Insurance/Government Pension: $26.80 per week Payroll Tax: $4.75% of total weekly wage Other deductions will apply according to your individual contract. Further information will be supplied to you upon arrival and sign up with our HR department.
What is the procedure to open a bank account? You are asked to bring a letter of recommendation from your bank in your country of residence to show you have been a good customer and have good credit. You will also need a minimum $100 deposit to open an account.
What is the length of time allowed to stay in Bermuda after permit has expired/terminated? If you are a seasonal employee or have only worked on a short term fast track permit, Bermuda Immigration allows you three or four days to leave the island after termination. If you are employed on a full permit, you are allowed up to one month to settle your affairs and leave the island. We will need confirmed dates from you on your departure during the required exit interview.
Can my spouse/family reside in Bermuda with me? Permission to bring your spouse/family to Bermuda is subject to Immigration approval. The cost of living in Bermuda is very high, therefore, restrictions are put in place so that Bermudians are not disadvantaged in any way. You are required to submit a marital status letter indicating that you will not be bringing your spouse/family to Bermuda with you prior to the application for a work permit. However, you can submit an application to Immigration for your spouse/family to reside if you meet the necessary Immigration requirements which include, but are not limited to, you must work in Bermuda for a period of at least two years; you need to prove that you earn over $60,000 per year, have substantial funds in your account and are in a stable position on the island.
Is there a term limit on work permits in Bermuda? It is the policy of the Department of Immigration that unless a work permit holder is otherwise exempt, they will be limited to a maximum term of six years.
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18 Reid Street