Opposition Senator Ryan Walters has urged an overhaul of Barbados’ work permit system, arguing that employers are increasingly advertising vacancies that could be filled by Barbadians, particularly young people.

As the Protection of Wages Bill went before the Senate on Wednesday, the lawmaker cited recent work permit notices:

“What we are seeing coming out in the media space is the fact that employers seem to be looking outside for work that Barbadians can do and especially young Barbadians can do, and I’ve said it before; I’ll repeat again, we’ve seen in recent times posts for store supervisors, warehouse clerks, sales associates. In more recent times, I’ve seen a post for a device repair technician, which is a person who will repair cellphones. I’ve also seen on the higher scale posts for leadership in hotels. I think this is an opportunity for the government to look at revamping the work permit regime in this country.”