An enhanced immigration policy boosting opportunities for local entertainers comes into force at the end of the month.

Walton Brown, the Minister of Home Affairs, told the House of Assembly there will be closer scrutiny of employers.

The move means Bermudian entertainers must be included in promotional campaigns featuring non-Bermudian entertainers.

Non-Bermudian entertainers will also be required to maintain membership with the Bermudian Entertainment Union before work permits will be granted.

Mr Brown said the Bermuda Festival would get a special exemption, based on its past work and current plans.

The policy will entail a check that advertisements are not “tailor-made”.

Applications will have the right to appeal decisions to the minister, Mr Brown added.

The policy was drafted in tandem with the BEU, which will have input in the vetting of work permits for entertainers, and circulated for feedback during June and July.

Jeanne Atherden, the Leader of the Opposition, asked for the top “revelations” uncovered in the process.

Mr Brown said he had been surprised at the number of work- permit applicants with criminal records, adding that rates of pay for some entertainers appeared “abysmally low”.

• To read Walton Brown’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”