A new immigration policy due to come into effect next month will “further marginalise” Bermuda’s local entertainers by failing to give them “fair opportunity in their country”, according to the Opposition.

But Government has rejected the claim, insisting that the changes will not discriminate against anyone and pledging to meet with the Bermuda Entertainers’ Union (BEU) to discuss any concerns.

Shadow Immigration Minister Walton Brown said in a statement today that the draft work permit policy proposed by Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy would allow businesses to bring in overseas entertainers. without having to employ a Bermudian group or individual at the venue at the same time, as is currently the case.

He said: “The policy for many years was that foreign entertainment would be allowed, when accompanied by local performers at the same venue. The new policy set to come into force December 1 eliminates this completely.”

Mr Brown added: “If the proposed new policy stands it will only further marginalise our very talented local entertainers at a time when such work is more and more difficult to find.

“It will reinforce the belief that the OBA government is intent on adopting policies and laws that only serve to advance narrow business interests and further diminish the hopes and aspirations of Bermudians.

“We call on Minister Fahy to revert to the [previous] policy, for the sake of our local musicians and entertainers.”

Senator Fahy responded: “The current proposed policy is not discriminating against anyone. The current proposal requires all venues who wish to hire entertainers for their clubs, bars and public venues to advertise the positions being sought like any other employer.

“Talented local musicians who are willing and able to perform should have absolutely no concerns about this whatsoever. It is a little strange that if a venue wishes to have, for example, Octoberfest music and no local musicians are capable of playing such music, that the venue should have restrictions placed on it.”

He said the BEU submitted its thoughts on the policy change late last week, despite the consultation deadline being October 17.

“Nevertheless, I agreed last week to meet with the BEU leadership this coming Friday,” said Sen Fahy. “I look forward to those discussions.”

The Bermuda Federation of Musician and Variety Artists raised concerns earlier this year about businesses breaching the policy that requires those bringing in foreign entertainment to secure local entertainment for the same venue.