Bermudian jobseekers will be able to apply for work-permit positions coming up for renewal under an initiative being launched this month.

The scheme, which is designed to help locals equip themselves with the skills to take advantage of job opportunities, will involve details of the post being put on the Jobs Board. Senator Michael Fahy, the Minister of Home Affairs, told The Royal Gazette the move was part of the Bermuda Government’s “more transparent” approach to immigration that has recently seen scores of immigration appeal decisions put online.

He said he expected the number of work permits issued to rise “slowly and steadily” in 2016, but maintained that employment opportunities for Bermudians would also increase as a result of major hotel developments.

His comments came as the latest Bermuda Digest of Statistics revealed that 9,767 work permits were issued in 2014: the lowest number since 1998.

“We have seen an uptake in work permit applications in 2015,” Mr Fahy said.

“With the low birth rate recently reported we need to have more immigration to be able to sustain our economy and our services because most are paid for by payroll tax.

“We are cognisant of tailored job adverts and under phase two of the Jobs Board people will be able to see details and qualifications required of work permits coming up for renewal. This will help Bermudians put themselves in a position to get the job and will be incredibly useful.

“For 2016 we will continue to see a take-up of work permits especially as we see the various hotel projects come to fruition but these projects will also provide opportunities for Bermudians.

“Work permits for international business will continue to go up slowly but surely as small start-up businesses set up in Bermuda.”

The Government implemented a raft of immigration reforms in April 2014, including establishing new regulations for work permits and civil penalties for employers that flout the rules.

Mr Fahy said he had been “surprised” by the number of offences reported and admitted it was challenging for his department to keep on top of the present caseload.

He added: “The intent of the legislation was to change a mindset, and I was hoping it would change a little faster. That is obviously bad for someone’s business, but good for Government coffers.

“Since the new legislation was brought in we have about 130 ongoing matters, while around a dozen have been resolved. As everyone knows we have had a hiring freeze in Government and these cases take a long time.

“We are working on fixing the situation and continually look at how we can restructure the department’s work and reallocate staff.

“At the height of business opportunity in 2008 we had 55 members of staff. Now we have 37, with a budget for 43 and we had to fight hard to get that additional staff on.

“With this new regime people are actually being caught, whereas previously you heard about this going on but nothing was done. It is as successful as we could have hoped and has been well received.”