WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17: Almost three-quarters of active work permits have been given waivers or extensions, Minister Economy Kim Wilson told international business leaders this afternoon.

Senator Wilson was speaking at the Association of International Bermuda Companies (ABIC) AGM, telling the audience that the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry was created to strengthen the local economy and bring a sharper focus to the connectivity between the needs of the workplace and the availability of appropriately trained resources.

She met with the Association's Executive Director earlier this week and told the meeting today: “The one issue that seemed to dominate our discussions on Monday was the issue of term limits. As a result, I requested the relevant data from the Department of Immigration and I'd like to take just a minute to share a few statistics with you.”

Sen Wilson said that of the 6,817 active work permits, 35 percent or 2,394 have been granted waivers; a further 35 percent have been granted extensions and 30 percent or 2,037 are subject to term limits of six years.

“A closer look at the 35 percent that have been granted extensions indicates that the extensions that have been granted range from one year to ten years. In fact, these extensions provide for up to 16 years in some cases.

“While the raw figures do not tell the individual stories behind each extension that has been approved or denied, it is believed that the correct balance is being achieved.

“We recognize that international business is a knowledge-based industry where highly training technical expertise is a required resource. Many of you here today have come from overseas and you have helped shape our economy and build this sector, which also employs large numbers of Bermudians.

“Please know that you and your colleagues will continue to be welcomed in Bermuda however; we are working to better manage the process of issuing work permits and achieving that delicate balance of training and empowering the Bermudian people to take their rightful place in the workforce.

“Based on the numbers, I hope that it is clear that international companies are not being asked to release valuable talent that may jeopardize your operations. This would be detrimental to all in Bermuda. What we endeavour to achieve however is equity.

“Equity is about realizing a delicate balance, one where suitably qualified Bermudians and non-Bermudians co-exist in the workplace on equal terms. Understandably this is a sensitive subject in this arena; however we seek your support and assistance as we commence the necessary work to ensure that Bermudians receive the requisite training to better serve the needs of your sector.”