The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs has confirmed changes in immigration rules which will increase Bermuda's attractiveness to international companies.

And the Hon. Irving Pearman has apologised that for not making the relaxation of the rules making public, saying it was due to an oversight.

In fact the changes in immigration procedures were first heard at the annual general meeting of the International Companies Division of the Chamber of Commerce.

They cut red tape for staff of international companies who set up in Bermuda.

And it is hoped they will boost international business, which is now the biggest source of income for Bermuda, having overtaken tourism at the end of 1992.

They include a speeding up of work permit applications, the removal of the law which forces companies to advertise the jobs of chief executive officers, relaxation of the need to re-advertise jobs for chief executives and special employees every three years and allowing workers with more than two children to settle in the country.

The Minister said: "In general, the international companies of Bermuda have been required to operate under the same immigration policies and procedures that control domestic companies.

"With the recent downturn in tourism the benefits that the international companies bring to Bermuda are highlighted more than ever.

"Meetings of the International Business Forum have hinted at dissatisfaction with immigration policies some of which are perceived to be time-consuming and unnecessarily bureaucratic and to do little to enhance Bermuda's image as a desirable domicile.'' Mr. Pearman said that in an effort to better understand the problems, the Ministry has met with the chairman of the Chamber's International Companies Division, Mr. Andrew Carr.

He said: "It is appreciated that in most cases problems are dealt with satisfactorily, albeit in an ad hoc way.

"Unfortunately, the perception of difficulties linger on and what is needed is a clearly stated process for solving problems.'' Mr. Pearman said none of the concessions made would compromise the Ministry's duty to ensure Bermudians are protected from unfair or "exclusionary'' employment practices.

He said: "What they do, however, is protect and enhance our reputation as the best and most efficient centre for offshore business in the world.

"I think Bermudians, having lived for the past year and a half in the shadow of a severe recession, will appreciate the desirability of accommodating international companies in the light of their importance to our economy.''