The Government’s new work permit policy will not penalise good Bermudian entertainers, according to Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy.

Mr Fahy told The Royal Gazette he was “excited” about the prospect of the new immigration regulations being rolled out at the beginning of March.

He also acknowledged that the success of the new raft of policies designed to attract business and job providers to Bermuda would not be known for some time.

“It will not be instantaneous, it may not work, but we have to try new things,” said Mr Fahy.

“We know we have to get more people on the ground.

“The biggest thing coming out of that is it helps pay for the services that Bermudians use such as education and healthcare.

“We believe this new policy will be successful; a lot of work has gone into it.

“The system has been streamlined so it is less burdensome.”

The new policy has been the subject of intense debate in the House of Assembly and the initial implementation of the new regime had to be delayed while issues with one type of permit were ironed out. Opposition MPs have raised concerns that provisions of the new policy that allow for foreign musicians to fly in to perform in certain situations could adversely affect Bermudian entertainers

But Mr Fahy rejected the assertion. He said: “We have looked at the entertainment industry generally, and we have looked at what is required by our hotels and bars.

“On a number of occasions we have come up against large wedding parties from the United States that want to bring a certain entertainer with them. If they don’t get the entertainer they want, they go somewhere else.

“Unfortunately, we have to make a decision about what is more important; filling hotel rooms and restaurants or one entertainer. The answer is pretty straightforward.

“In general these entertainers still have to get a work permit, but in some circumstances the permit will not need to be advertised.

“We have removed the requirement whereby if you end up getting a foreign band for a bar or a club you have to give equal time to Bermudians.

“Where we are making it a requirement for Bermudians to entertain is large concert events. Really, we are putting out a playing field that is more equal to what is going on in the industry.”

He added: “Previously permits would be granted once a fee had been paid to the Bermuda Entertainers Union. The Immigration Department was charged with ensuring this was paid.

“I do not believe Government should be involved in third parties collecting fees.

“So from March 1 if the BEU wish to collect fees, they will have to make those approaches. Immigration will no longer facilitate that connection.

“I believe that if you are a good entertainer, the bar or hotel will employ you.

“These new rules should not penalise Bermudians at all. There is still lots of opportunity.”