Press Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Hon.migr Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration addressing Imation Reform, Employer Compliance, and Immigration Matters Affecting Grand Bahama.

For Immediate Release

6th August, 2026

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon. Fred Mitchell, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that immigration and labour policies continue to protect the interests of Bahamians while supporting economic growth and maintaining investor confidence.

Speaking on matters relating to employment and immigration in Grand Bahama, Minister Mitchell announced that the Government has launched a comprehensive review of employment and hiring practices in response to concerns raised by residents and community representatives regarding the issuance of work permits and employment opportunities for Bahamians.

“The purpose of this review is to obtain a clear understanding of the facts surrounding current employment practices and to ensure that our policies continue to serve the best interests of the Bahamian people,” Minister Mitchell said. “This is not an exercise intended to discourage investment or create uncertainty for employers. Rather, it is a fact-based review designed to identify challenges, promote transparency, and strengthen opportunities for Bahamians.”

The Minister explained that the review will involve close collaboration with the Department of Labour, employers, and other relevant agencies. Officials will examine labour certificate applications, review employment data, and meet with employers to better understand their workforce requirements, staffing challenges, and long-term labour needs.

“We are committed to making informed decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions,” he said. “Our objective is to strike the appropriate balance between supporting economic expansion and ensuring that qualified Bahamians have meaningful access to employment and career advancement

” Minister Mitchell noted that The Bahamas continues to experience labour shortages in several specialized occupations, making the work permit process an important component of sustaining economic activity.

“Employers seeking to recruit foreign workers must first obtain a labour certificate from the Department of Labour confirming that the required skills are unavailable locally,” he explained. “Only after that process has been completed can the Department of Immigration consider an application for a work permit. The same certification is now required for work permit renewals, which are no longer granted automatically.”

He emphasised that these procedures are intended to ensure that Bahamians are given the first opportunity to fill available positions before employers seek approval to recruit from abroad.

Addressing public concerns regarding major industrial employers in Grand Bahama, including the Grand Bahama Shipyard and the Freeport Container Port, Minister Mitchell acknowledged that many residents have expressed concern about the number of foreign workers employed at these facilities and the opportunities available for Bahamians to advance into skilled and senior positions.

“The Government understands these concerns and takes them seriously,” the Minister said. “Many of these industries require highly specialized skills. Our responsibility is to determine whether suitably qualified Bahamians are available to fill these positions or whether additional education and technical training are needed to prepare more Bahamians for these careers.

” He added that the Prime Minister has engaged directly with the leadership of the major industrial employers to discuss these matters and has received assurances that the concerns of the Bahamian workforce are being heard.

Minister Mitchell said the review will also examine opportunities for greater participation by Bahamians in technical, supervisory, and management positions, ensuring that economic development translates into long-term career opportunities for the country’s citizens.

“Where genuine shortages of specialized skills exist, the Government will continue working with educational institutions, training providers, and industry partners to expand workforce development programmes that prepare Bahamians for high-demand occupations,” he said.

“The Government remains committed to maintaining an immigration system and labour policy that are fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of a growing economy while ensuring that Bahamians remain at the centre of our national development,” Minister Mitchell said.

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