A work permit policy that Government said would create jobs — and that the Opposition has criticised as hurting Bermudian workers — has been delayed, according to Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy.

Speaking during the Senate’s motion to adjourn, the Minister said the draft policy needed to be reworked in the wake of extensive feedback from the public.

“Obviously we will not make the December 1 deadline,” Senator Fahy added, saying he was “not happy with where we are” in the draft policy.

“That is a sign of true consultation,” the Minister concluded.

The policy, which was presented for public feedback on October 1, included the proposed Bermuda Employment Visa or BEV.

Exempt companies that qualified for the visa would be able to get one work permit free non-Bermudian worker for every five Bermudian staff. It was touted as a means to encourage businesses to hire more Bermudians while cutting red tape.

Sen Fahy’s remarks came on the same day that Shadow Immigration Minister Walton Brown called for the deadline to be delayed.

Mr Brown said Bermudian workers in international business felt they were being hit harder by redundancies than work permit holders.

“We are making this call so that a number of issues can be addressed to ensure Bermudians have genuine opportunities for jobs,” Mr Brown said in yesterday’s statement. “In its current state, this new policy will mean less employment opportunities for Bermudians in international business, the erection of a glass ceiling for Bermudians, and significantly fewer opportunities for musicians.”

Mr Brown said he had requested last week to meet with the Minister, but nothing had been scheduled.

Sen Fahy could not be reached for comment last night.