Government's controversial work term-limit policy will remain in place but Immigration Minister David Burch said expatriates identified as key members of staff will soon be able to get work permits which extend beyond the current five-year maximum.

The term-limit policy was first implemented in 2001. It limits guest workers to five years of employment on the Island unless they are deemed key workers, married to someone deemed a key worker or married to a permanent resident certificate holder.

"The main point I would like to make today is that Bermuda is, most definitely, open for business," he told the Senate yesterday. "The Ministry of Labour, specifically the Department of Immigration, is working exceptionally hard with businesses to overcome any challenges."

He added that term limits were a policy, not law, which meant he had "considerable flexibility".

Out of the 6,650 applications to extend work permits only 31 percent have been rejected, accounting for 2,061 rejections.

Thirty-five percent of employers who have applied for waivers or exemptions from term limits have been granted them. This accounts for approximately 2,330 exemptions. An additional 34 percent, or 2,260, have received extensions to work permits.

In total there are 9,800 work permit holders in the private sector.

"I will not apply the policy in any way that will prejudice the successful operation of business in Bermuda," he said.

"To reinforce this position I can say that work permits for a number of those exempted from term limits will shortly be made available for longer periods than the current maximum of five years.

"Ask, and within reason, you will get what you need."

Opposition Senator Michael Dunkley said the Opposition was pleased Sen. Burch had clarified the Government's policy on term limits, particularly as many have complained it was a barrier to doing business on the Island.

"We are also pleased to learn of the Minister's commitment to continue to be flexible in reviewing applications to the Department of Immigration," he said.

"We have always believed that opportunities for Bermudians must be paramount, but on the other hand when there are no Bermudians available for a job there is the need for a guest worker. In many cases, such as can be demonstrated in sectors of international business in Bermuda, a work permit holder creates jobs for Bermudians."