Former Premier Sir John Swan has called for an independent commission to look at Government's term limit policy which businesses say is damaging the economy.

This week international business leader Don Kramer called for a moratorium on the policy, which makes most expatriates leave after six years, because the Island was losing valuable experience and spending power at a crucial time.

Sir John, who led Bermuda for 13 years, said: "It's a very sensitive topic, having real implications for Bermuda.

"It means more and more companies will look to export their work out of Bermuda so they don't have to bring people here on a short-term basis because it disrupts their lives and families.

"Maybe we need a two- or three-man commission to have an objective look, because it does have real implications for economic survival.

"Rather than just have a policy thrown out there maybe we need non-political bias, an objective view on that Government and everyone else looking at it."

Bringing only single people here would hurt the house rental market, and insisting that people left families overseas also wouldn't work, said Sir John.

He said immigration was a dilemma for any Government as the longer people stayed, the more they would want citizenship as they neared the 20-year mark.

And the businessman said he knew of people being turfed out, just as they got near the 20-year limit where they can apply for a Permanent Resident's Certificate.

Some companies were allowing employees to leave after six years and come back after the necessary two-year hiatus to start another six-year term, said Sir John.

"Maybe they can shorten the time away but it can't look like a sham either.

"You can probably shorten it to one year.

"But people don't like to pack up and take their kids out of school, there's a whole lot of considerations.

"If they stay here they expect to be domiciled. I am not sure what the answer is.

"But let us at least demonstrate we have taken it to the most resourceful thought process that we can as a Country because it really has implications both short- and long-term not only for citizenship, but sustaining our businesses and business practices."

Bermuda Employers' Council executive director Martin Law said he believed Mr. Kramer was echoing the views of many in the business community in calling for a moratorium on work permit term limits.

Mr. Law said: "For several years we at the BEC, along with others, have been in discussion with Government about this policy and we have explored alternatives that might meet Government's policy aims.

"We can agree that there is merit in work permit policies but the term limit policy has caused Bermuda to lose intellectual capital at a time when this is even more valuable, and when we should be doing all that we can to attract and keep that capital."

The economic landscape has changed dramatically in the last nine months, said Mr. Law.

"And like most jurisdictions, we in Bermuda need to take a hard look at policies that are not business friendly.

"Term limits is one such policy.

"It is a widely-held belief that the effects of the current economic crisis will be with us for some years and we should take steps now that will help us to ensure our economic stability.

"It may be that the time has come for Government to, at least, put a moratorium on the term limit policy."

New Chamber of Commerce head Stephen Todd said concerns had been expressed about term limits by various employers' bodies to Labour Minister David Burch.

"We are somewhat optimistic that the Minister hears our concerns and is conscious of the conditions we are all facing right now.

"We are optimistic as time passes he will continue to give it his ongoing attention."