Fears that the six-year work permit limit rule will damage Bermuda’s international economy were last night dismissed as “utter nonsense” by Labour and Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess.

Hundreds of guest workers who have worked in Bermuda for six years face being turfed out under the work permit rule from April next year.

However, in a defiant speech last night, Mr. Burgess said talks between immigration officials and employers would ensure all expatriates filling key roles will earn exemptions to the rule.

Referring to sceptics of the system as “doubting Thomases”, Mr. Burgess told a packed meeting of Progressive Labour Party constituents that the onus was on employers to demonstrate which guest workers are vital to their company.

Mr. Burgess said key workers could be found “at all levels and in all areas of a business”.

He said as well as senior management roles such as chief executives and chief financial officers, key staff could include technical, professional, clerical and service staff.

He said: “In cases where the employer is able to justify that because of a genuine and compelling reason there is a need for a longer period, the work permit term will be extended to nine years.

“However, work permit term limits will not apply where it can be demonstrated that the work permit holder is key to the business’s operation. Some doubting Thomases have said that the term limits policy will have a detrimental effect upon Bermuda in the long-term.

“That view is utter nonsense, I believe. In fact, there can be no doubt in the minds of those who deeply care about our Island and about our children’s future that the policy is absolutely correct in every respect. In order to ensure that there is no negative impact on our economy as a result of the term limits policy, we worked with the international and local business community to identify key categories that qualify for exemptions from term limits.

“The inclusion of the key person provision in the term limits policy is a clear indication of the Government’s intention not to disadvantage any employer.”

Mr. Burgess warned that the majority of guest workers would not be classed as key employees.

But he added: “It would be altogether irresponsible to apply term limits indiscriminately. Ours is a responsible Government that assesses matters carefully.

“This Government recognises and appreciates the tremendous contribution that international businesses have made to the successes that Bermuda has enjoyed.

“This Government also recognises and appreciates the outstanding contribution made by most of our work permit holders. We believe that the term limits policy is the right one for all.”

Earlier this year, business leaders predicted Bermuda would throw a spanner into its economic engine by throwing out highly qualified guest workers next April.

David Ezekiel, chairman of the Association of Bermuda International Companies, said the policy means the Island runs the risk of being unable to attract or retain the brightest talent for its international economy.

Mr. Ezekiel said if employers were unable to provide long-term career paths in Bermuda, talented individuals may not come to the Island in the first place — or would move away after a few years when the six-year limit started to loom.

Mr. Burgess has previously stated expatriates would find out whether they had got exemptions from the six-year limit by the end of December.

He said extra staff were being hired to help Immigration workers struggling to cope with the huge amount of work permit renewals and key employee exemption applications.

At last night’s meeting, which was attended by about 40 people in the Sandys South constituency, Mr. Burgess stressed the work permits policy was aimed at preventing the arrival of more non-Bermudians than the Island can sustain.

He said: “The term limits policy recognises that Bermuda cannot continue to sustain even another 1,000 work permit holders and their families every seven years, who have an expectation that they will be allowed to remain in Bermuda indefinitely and that they will one day appeal to the Government to give them and their children permanent residence.

“This Government recognised at the time that the term limits policy was being developed that nothing must be done that might jeopardise the continuing success of business in Bermuda.

“A balance must be struck between the legitimate needs and expectations of Bermudians and the current and emerging needs of the business community.”

He called for Bermudians to take advantage of job opportunities the policy could throw their way.

“The Government will continue to do all that it can to assist Bermudians to fill available positions in our Island,” he said. “The jobs are there. We have far more jobs here in Bermuda than we have Bermudians to fill them.

“Once a Bermudian demonstrates a will to work and a willingness to acquire training if needed, then the road ahead is a smooth one. The entire Island will benefit.”