Opposition Senator Calls for Overhaul of Barbados Work Permit System

Opposition Senator Ryan Walters is calling for a comprehensive overhaul of Barbados’ work permit regime, arguing that permits are being granted for jobs that qualified Barbadians are capable of filling.

Contributing to debate in the Senate on Wednesday on the Protection of Wages Bill, 2026, Walters said he had observed advertisements seeking work permits for positions including warehouse clerks, store supervisors and even cell phone repair technicians.

“I think it is a disgrace, in 2026, that we should see this level of applications for work permits for these skill sets and these jobs,” he said.

The Democratic Labour Party senator added that he had also seen applications for leadership positions within the hotel industry, saying the trend highlighted the need for tighter controls on the work permit process.

“I think this is an opportunity for this Government for revamping the work permit regime in this country,” he said.

“I think we need to revamp this work permit regime to tighten the application process even before it becomes an application, to give direction to employers.”

Turning to the Protection of Wages Bill, Walters voiced support for the legislation, which is intended to strengthen employees’ rights, including ensuring workers are paid outstanding wages if a business becomes insolvent.

“The Bill requires a level of support. When a person works they expect to be paid,” he said.

However, the Opposition senator argued that stronger enforcement was also needed to ensure employers complied with National Insurance Scheme (NIS) requirements.

He urged Government to take action against businesses that failed to register employees with the NIS.

“Every employee in this country should be contributing to the National Insurance Scheme,” he said. (HH)