In the interest of attempting to ensure that Bahamians are given the first preference for job vacancies, any employers wishing to hire non-Bahamians, must seek approval to do so from the Department of Labour.  This approval process verifies whether there are any Bahamians qualified and suitable for the job vacancy.  It is only when there are no suitably qualified Bahamians for the vacancy, that the Department of Labour would issue the certificate of vacancy, which is necessary for the employers to source work permits for their proposed hire.   

Any company wishing to hire non-Bahamians must be registered in the Bahamas and in good legal standing.  

Any individual wishing to hire non-Bahamians must be a Bahamian national or at least have permanent resident status.

1. Place an advertisement for the vacancy for a minimum of 3 days in the Bahamian daily newspaper.
2. Visit the Accounting Section of the Department of Labour, submitting a copy of the newspaper page on which the vacancy advertisement appears, along with the original payment receipt, and proof of Bahamian nationality or permanent residency status.  
3. On submitting these documents, fill out, in duplicate, and submit a Notification of Vacancy form, provided on site by the Accounting Section
4. Pay the application fee.  

Provided that the form is completed and submitted as it should be and the correct fee paid, the Accounting Section would issue a receipt to the applicant, and advise when the applicant should return to the Department of Labour for feedback.

 Notification of Vacancy Form

• Valid Passport or Permanent Resident Permit

There is a non-refundable application fee of BS$50.00.  It must be paid by cash or certified cheque, payable to Treasury Department.

New Providence

Department of Labour
Rosetta Street
P.O. N-1586
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 302-2562 / 2550
Fax.(242) 356-5585
Email: labour@bahamas.gov.bs  
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Abaco

Percy Archer Square
Don McKay Boulevard
P.O. Box AB-20250
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 367-2133
Fax.(242) 367-2959
Email: labour@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Andros & The Berry Islands

Albert Campbell’s Complex
Queen’s Highway
North Andros
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 329-2181/2
Fax.(242) 329-2220
Vibe(242) 225-1604
Email: labour@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Bimini

General Post Office
Alice Town
Bimini
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 347-3422, 225-3356
Fax.(242) 347-3423
Email: labour@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Eleuthera

Bets Plazza
Queen’s Highway
P.O. Box EL-25177
Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 332-2134
Fax.(242) 332-2875
Email: labour@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Queen’s Highway
Lower Bogue
P.O. Box EL-27854
North Eleuthera
Eleuthera
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 335-1998
Fax.(242) 335-2000
Email: labour@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Exuma

Tracey Bowe Plaza
EX-29290
Exuma
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 336-2030
Fax.(242) 336-2031
Email: labour@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Grand Bahama

Churchill Building
Down Town
P.O. Box F-40589
Freeport, Grand Bahama
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 351-6846, 352-7865/6
Fax.(242) 352-9869
Email: labour@bahamas.gov.bs 
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays