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OBA to review law affecting Bermudians with foreign spouses

OBA Senator Michael Fahy

New Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy has pledged to undertake “a thorough and measured review” of a law affecting Bermudians married to foreigners.Part of the controversial amendment to the Immigration and Protection Act — which forced mixed status couples to obtain a licence for the purchase of their own homes — was rolled back in the House of Assembly in July.However, such couples will still require approval to buy a second home — something that One Bermuda Alliance MP Shawn Crockwell blasted in July as “fundamentally unfair”.Asked what the OBA plans to do about the policy now it is in power, Sen Fahy issued a statement saying: “We recognise that this is an issue that touches on considerable sensitivities in our community. The public is aware that I have been very vocal about this matter, and I am committed to sitting down and undertaking a thorough and measured review of the current policy.”He went on to say that while there are numerous items on the Government’s agenda which are an immediate priority, the policy will receive early attention and legislative amendments may follow based on the outcome of the review.According to Sen Fahy, “a time line will be determined shortly”.Campaigner Ronnie Viera, who has pressed for changes to the law, said of the news: “I am pleased to hear that a review will be done and hope that it results in the remaining negative aspects of the Act being changed.“While there is a long list of priorities, I hope it will be done sooner rather than later. In addition, I suggest that any such review include the restrictions on Permanent Residency Certificate holders with regard to real estate purchases. Apart from being the fair thing to do, it could also stimulate the current flat market.”