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`Better deal' for long-term residents

Long-term residents could be set to get a better deal in Bermuda, it was revealed yesterday.

For Government will this morning table a discussion paper outlining possible ways to offer more security to non-Bermudians who have spent decades on the Island.

The Royal Gazette understands that among the ideas thrown out for consideration are a US-style "green card'' system.

The working resident card would give people the right to work and live on the Island indefinitely -- but it would be revokable.

Another possibility is an amnesty -- where residents who have clocked up at least 20 years on the Island can apply for Bermudian status.

Another option could be waiving the legal requirement for three-yearly advertising of jobs held by non-Bermudian residents.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness, who is also responsible for immigration matters, declined to comment on the discussion paper on the grounds he did not want to be seen to be influencing the debate.

He added that the paper was being tabled now to allow the community the longest possible opportunity to discuss the implications before the House resumes in the autumn.

And Mr. Edness said he hoped to organise public meetings to discuss long-term residents' problems -- and that he would welcome views from political and community groups as well as individuals.

Mr. Edness added: "We are going to listen to the public -- I am sure the public will come forward with a position and we will be able to come back with a policy paper based on what is proposed in this paper.

"I don't want to give the impression this is what Government is proposing -- this is something for people to chew on.

"This is a very important issue and a delicate balancing act -- our primary responsibility is to protect the interests of Bermudians.

"But at the same time there no question Bermudians would feel there is some kind of moral responsibility to people who have children who are born here and know no other home.'' Shadow Labour and Home Affairs Minister Alex Scott said he provisionally welcomed something being done to ease the plight of long-term residents.

But he warned: "Bermudians have reservations about the liberalisation of policy towards long-term residents, which we support.

"The 20-year mark is one thing we have recommended and the green card formula is something we have seen as a model.

"But there has to be a package which has protection in it for Bermudians.

When we canvass members of the community deemed to be long-term residents.

"They do not put up the request to have Bermudian status -- their main concern is long-term security. We would not encourage granting of status and we we would want to recommend it.'' He added he was sure an accommodation could be reached which satisfied the aspirations of long-term residents and Bermudians.

But he added: "There should be a policy which does not continue to produce significant numbers of long-term residents.

"Work permits should be generally not allowed beyond five years unless it's deemed to be very important to the economy and the continuance of an entity which important to the employment of Bermudians.'' GOVERNMENT GVT IMMIGRATION IMM