MPs today will receive long-awaited legislation giving new rights to foreign-born children of Bermudian women.

Such youngsters -- whose mothers are single or married to foreigners -- will be able to gain Bermudian status, if the legislation is passed.

Currently, foreign-born children of Bermudian men have that right.

The legislation will be tabled in the House of Assembly today.

Yesterday Acting Labour Minister the Hon. Michael Winfield said he anticipated little controversy over the bill.

"I would have thought it would be welcomed and receive full support.'' He said the bill should be debated before the end of the Parliamentary session.

Sen. Winfield said Government accepted arguments it was unfair to be "gender selective'' over status rights.

"We are now putting women in the same category as men,'' he added.

Sen. Winfield said the new legislation would include other immigration measures.

Sen. Michael Winfield.