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Human rights

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XBDA
  10/30/2017 08:26 EST

Bermuda's new nationalist government has, as one of its first acts, made Bermuda's immigration law no longer subject to the Human Rights Act. While Bermuda's constitution has some protections against discrimination, the Human Rights Act is much more broad.

So now the Minister of Immigration can discriminate against anyone based on their religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or family status.

The government was elected in July. They had promised "comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform" during the election but clearly what they really wanted was fast-tracking laws without debate to discriminate against immigrants.

If this is any indication, we can expect a raft of more anti-immigrant laws and policies over the next 4-5 years.

I refer everyone to my previous post about Bermuda's very long list of restrictions against immigrants that make it impossible to live there normally. Under this new government, it is only going to get worse.

scottoy
  10/30/2017 08:53 EST

My experience of Bermuda is poor. Stay away. Ex pats that setup companies are shady. Lawyers all look after each other. I handed my notice given the company selection ltd. Three nights the notice but they rejected it. So terminated my employment. Could I get a lawyer hell no. Was sent home wasn’t allowed to fight it. I’m owed $20,000. Seems if your white on the island your ok as a minority you have no rights. Just take advantage

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skater239
  10/30/2017 10:22 EST

As a mid-life white woman, my advice, too, is to stay away. Employers will lure you to the island with promises they will not keep and you have no rights to fight.

Please know it is illegal to either change jobs Ir to look for a job while you are on the island. So if things aren't working out, too bad. It's go home Ex Pat.

Do not. I repeat, do not accept a job in Bermuda.

djoiner
  10/30/2017 10:32 EST

"Please know it is illegal to either change jobs Ir to look for a job while you are on the island." - This is incorrect. It is not illegal to change jobs in Bermuda.

XBDA
  10/31/2017 05:09 EST

That is correct; it is not illegal, but it is a Government Policy not to allow an expat to change jobs within the first two years except with the Minister's special permission, which he will grant only if the employee is made redundant or has filed a grievance for violating employment laws.

Why this two year restriction? No reason. It just makes expat's lives harder, so it is popular with locals who resent foreigners.

djoiner
  10/31/2017 05:47 EST

Have you ever thought about the rule from an employers perspective? Most employers are paying thousands of dollars in work permit fees, relocation costs, initial accomodation and recruitment costs to get the skill set they require for their business. This ruling helps to protect the investment made by employers.

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scottoy
  10/31/2017 06:17 EST

Have you never heard of probation periods?
If a company lies about there company. Have poor health and safety. Seems ex pat like to take the money but not going be back.

scottoy
  10/31/2017 17:40 EST

for once somebody, talking the truth. I was forced out, even though I handed them three months notice, but they terminated my employment. you have not rights. even the union are scam artists pretend to help but do nothing. Even had a hearing without me, of course went against me !, Even Africa I had more respect than Robbing Bermuda STAY AWAY

scottoy
  10/31/2017 17:40 EST

for once somebody, talking the truth. I was forced out, even though I handed them three months notice, but they terminated my employment. you have not rights. even the union are scam artists pretend to help but do nothing. Even had a hearing without me, of course went against me !, Even Africa I had more respect than Robbing Bermuda STAY AWAY

chnkaw001
  11/1/2017 14:36 EST

I have also heard of the 2 years rule. But apparently there are so many people who were able to change job before the 2 years are met.

There are some negotiation between old and new employers, but it is not impossible. If the new employer wants to hire you, they will step in to help.

XBDA
  11/7/2017 12:52 EST

Unfortunately, I have to agree. I get no pleasure from bashing Bermuda as I spent happy years there. But I also experienced my employers trying to take advantage of my immigrant status.

The first employer simply sold their business and transferred my work permit to the buyer. As this was less than 2 years into my job, I either had to take the dead-end job I didn't want for a new employer, or leave the island.

The new employer accidentally copied me on an email saying that they would not offer me any raise because, once they got my new work permit, I would be "stuck".

My last employer tried to use my work permit as leverage, to give me all of the responsibilities of an owner/director but keep my title and pay at new-recruit level. So I quit and they had to close down the profitable department that I was managing, because they just couldn't fathom the idea of offering a "non-Bermudian" the same title and pay that a "Bermudian" would get.

Aside from all of the legal restrictions on immigrants, there is a general attitude among Bermudians that, because of the higher salaries in Bermuda, it is easy to recruit expat workers and therefore there is no reason to keep them happy.

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skater239
  11/7/2017 13:02 EST

I lived Bermuda and her people, but I have to agree about the island's employment practices. My job description in theory proved different from job description in reality. Bermuda is bait and switch employment. The employer will promise one job to get you on the island and then will change the job once you arrive. For two years, you have a choice: suck it up or leave. Stay away.

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