The Downside of Working in Bermuda
Life isn't always a bed of roses and working in Bermuda is no exception. As with all things there is generally a downside.
- Don’t expect to live in Bermuda forever. You will have to leave one day and current government policy means that, unless the Department of Immigration consider you to be a key worker, it will probably be within 6 years of arriving. The only other possibility of staying longer is to marry a Bermudian. Even then you will have to wait 10 years before applying for citizenship.
- If you are married and your spouse wishes to work they are subject to the same immigration regulations as you.
- When your work permit runs expires (their length can vary) your employer will have to go through the application process again. If a suitably qualified Bermudian wants your job they will get it, and you will have to find another one or leave Bermuda. Though this sounds a frightening prospect, in practice it isn’t. You were only employed in the first place due to a shortage of Bermudian applicants.
- You can’t change employers frequently once you are in Bermuda. Unless you’ve been treated unfairly or are made redundant, the general rule is once every 5 years.
- The cost of living can be expensive. On the other hand salaries are good and direct taxes low. Most things do cost more, but what most people forget is that much of what Bermuda has to offer is free. Sitting on the beach and swimming in the ocean doesn’t cost a penny. Most people, provided they don’t have any non-working dependents, find they have more disposable income. 8,000 foreigners aren't there for charitable employment.
- You cannot buy a home (unless you are spending millions).
- Guest workers have no vote or real say in the running of the country.
- Although Bermuda is a well-developed country it doesn’t have many of the amenities found in a big city. There’s no thriving club scene, no multiplex cinemas, MacDonald’s, etc.
- You’ll be away from your family and friends for long periods of time. Vacations are often eaten up visiting relatives rather than taking a holiday yourself. If your friends and relatives want to visit you in Bermuda they must do so as a tourist i.e. they are subject to a maximum stay of 3 weeks.
