Immigration laws will under go a "wholesale overhaul" in order to make them more fair.

Governor Sir Richard Gozney delivered Premier Paula Cox's first Throne Speech yesterday. It stated the overhaul would help the people of Bermuda.

Sir Richard Gozney said: "The task of administering Bermuda's myriad immigration laws is highly challenging. The uncertainty, subjectivity and ambiguity created by the law in this area must be addressed.

"Therefore, the Government will embark on a wholesale overhaul of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956, guided by a need for continuity, protection and fairness."

The Act, which is more than 35 pages long, is wide-ranging and deals with a variety of issues. It covers who can and cannot acquire Bermudian status as well as rules on work permits and term limits. The Act also covers who can and cannot qualify for Permanent Residence Certificates and what type of land non-Bermudians and spouses of Bermudians can acquire. The Act also stipulates reasons for deportation.

Minister of National Security David Burch will be responsible for the overhaul. Yesterday, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kim Wilson, who is responsible for the work permit portions of the Act, said Sen. Burch was abroad until November 12.

The Royal Gazette asked Premier Cox to expand on what portions of the Act would be reviewed and what prompted the reviews. She did not respond by press time.

Last night Opposition deputy leader Trevor Moniz, who has been vocal against the amendment baring expatriate spouses of Bermudians from owning a second property, said: "It is certainly true that the Immigration Act could use a major overhaul but the devil is in the details isn't it?

"It is easy to agree that an overhaul is necessary but the PLP has a major agenda of Independence which the large majority of Bermudians reject. And the rhetoric of Independence and nationalism gets in the way of clear thinking to resolve the numerous serious challenges facing Bermuda.

"We have other more major concerns, such as term limits and the land license regime, which are problematic and are a question of Government policy.

"We would be happy to accept the extended hand of cooperation and work with the Government on addressing the overhaul of the Immigration Act and the review of Government policy. We await the invitation of the new Premier."