Wayne Caines, the national security minister, has given the public extra time to comment on work-permit policy.

Mr Caines told the House of Assembly Friday that policies would be changed to seek “the right balance between the legitimate expectations for Bermudians and the labour needs of businesses”.

Closed categories have been established to cover airline ground agents, retail floor supervisors, general labourers, office receptionists, painters, salespersons, tourism retail spokesmen, taxi drivers, wallpaper technicians, grocery packers, cashiers and couriers, pot washers and kitchen assistants.

The deadline for public opinions at www.forum.gov.bm has been extended to May 24.

Mr Caines replied to a question on mixed-status families from Sylvan Richards, the Shadow Minister of Home Affairs and Environment, and confirmed that the problem would be tackled this parliamentary session.

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