Business leaders have welcomed signs Government may be relaxing its work permit term limit policy.

They say both international business and Bermuda will benefit from extended time limits for those classed as key workers. And there is optimism employees in other industry sectors may also benefit.

The Royal Gazette yesterday reported comments by Immigration Minister David Burch, which suggested a ten-year work permit for key workers could soon become available.

The term limit policy since 2001 restricts guest workers to six years' employment on the Island, unless they are key workers or their spouses, or married to a Permanent Resident Certificate holder.

Critics in the business community however, have claimed the policy is unfair and could persuade international companies to take their business elsewhere, leaving fewer job opportunities for Bermudians.

Yesterday, international business organisations welcomed the Minister's announcement.

Stephen Todd, Bermuda Chamber of Commerce president, said: "We support changes to the current regulations. It's something the membership across the Chamber of Commerce has been interested in seeing, and we have raised it with the Minister for consideration."

Mr. Todd said he felt those eligible for the ten-year permit should include cross-industry key workers.

"We believe it is of benefit across all major sectors, not least insurance, reinsurance and the international business community. But we also believe it would benefit several of the general sectors as well, such as retail, the hospitality industry and corporate Bermuda.

"Those key positions that will require individuals to bring to the workforce experience and a readiness to pass on that experience."

He said: "We have in the past requested, through lobbying and discussions with the Minister, further consideration to be given to relaxation of a six-year term limit, but have never requested ten years.

"However we are interested in seeing some changes to the regulations. It would make the efforts of employers that much easier to recruit and retain key employees.

"We welcome the news and look forward to having further discussions with the Minister to gain a better understanding of what is proposed."

David Ezekiel, chairman of the Association of Bermuda International Companies, said: "Anything that gives senior people and job-creators within international business more permanence and job security would be a positive move for Bermuda.

"We've always stressed the need for Bermuda to be in a good position to be able to compete with other domiciles for international talent and this would certainly be of assistance.

"I think a ten-year permit will clearly be restricted to job positions where there have traditionally not been a big line of Bermudians.

"From an international business perspective there are a number of positions which might fall into that category. But similar positions outside international business may also apply.

"I am sure it will be done in a manner to continue to protect Bermudians and that is understandable and correct. So we very much look forward to further details."

Martin Law, executive director of the Bermuda Employers' Council, said: "We have an ongoing dialogue with Minister Burch and at this point we're just waiting for the details of what he is proposing.

"But at face value, yes, we welcome this."

Business Bermuda CEO Cheryl Packwood was off-Island and unavailable for comment.

Shadow Immigration Minister Michael Dunkley said he did not wish to comment until further details were available.

The Royal Gazette asked Sen. Burch for more information on the requirements for the ten-year permit, but received no response by the time of going to press.

On Monday the Minister told the Senate a longer term limit would "raise the level of comfort" in the international business sector.

He said that from meetings with company representatives, he understood "the introduction of a ten-year work permit would increase this".

"So that will come into effect in April if the Budget comes to pass, and will be one of the factors to raise the level of comfort in that sector," said Sen. Burch.

The Legislature this week also approved the Government Fees Amendment Regulations 2010, which come into effect on April 1.

Under Head Six, the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956, the fees for granting of Bermudian status and work permits are listed.

Item (xii) states, "a ten year long-term work permit $20,000".

In contrast, a five-year work permit will cost employers $5,000.

Last month Sen. Burch indicated a possible relaxation of restrictions when he said expatriate key workers might soon be able to get work permits "for longer periods than the current maximum of five years".

l See Editorial – Page 4