Government could rake in almost $1 million in fees from long-term residents applying for the new Working Residents' Permits, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The news came after Government issued guidelines for the new deal designed to give 20-year-plus veterans of the Island a measure of security.

And if all the estimated 1,200 people eligible apply, the fee per application of $812 mounts up to a staggering $974,400.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess announced a stop-gap measure last week -- in advance of a White Paper on the issue, due to be tabled in Parliament in the next session.

Anyone "ordinarily resident'' in Bermuda continuously for at least 20 years up to August 1 this year and who has worked for at least 15 of these years is eligible to apply for a certificate.

Successful applicants will get the right to live on the Island indefinitely, retire in Bermuda, and seek employment without restrictions.

They will -- if already employed -- be allowed to work in their jobs without having to seek a work permit.

Those holding certificates, however, will have to submit a copy to their employer, register with the Department of Immigration on an annual basis and seek permission from the Minister to change jobs.

GOVERNMENT GVT