The war of words over the Bermuda Government’s new work permit policy has rumbled on, with both sides continuing to trade blows.

Yesterday morning, Walton Brown, the Shadow Minister for Immigration, castigated the policy, saying “permitting the children and partners of guest workers to compete for jobs with our children and partners is a slap in the face to every right-thinking Bermudian”.

But Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy, who is in the Bahamas on government business, was quick to respond and to accuse Mr Brown of using “deliberate and inflammatory language that serves to confuse”.

He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, dependent children of work permit holders are unable to seek employment.”

The clash followed a heated debate in the House of Assembly that went late into the night on Monday.

The new policy was officially rolled out at the beginning of this month after public consultation.

“In the House of Assembly, Walton Brown alleged that the new work permit policy is designed to allow dependent children of work permit holders the right to seek employment,” Sen Fahy said. “This is completely incorrect.

“The department has made this very clear in all the presentations to stakeholders. The policy has been available for public consultation and this point has never been raised. Why? Because all parties know dependent children can’t seek employment.

“It has, prior to the OBA administration, always been the case that spouses of work permit holders could seek employment. It is important to note that such persons will always be subject to the regime put in place by this Government.”

Sen Fahy added: “Frankly, I expect better from MP Brown. He has had every opportunity to raise concerns. Instead, he waits until the policy rolls out.

“I would hope that next time there is doubt, MP Brown reaches out in the spirit of collaboration espoused by the Shadow Minister of Finance [David Burt] rather than use deliberate and inflammatory language that serves to confuse.”

Sen Fahy said that an extra provision stating “sponsored dependent children are only given permission to reside, not seek employment,” would be added to the policy to avoid any further confusion.

Meanwhile, in yesterday’s press statement, Mr Brown called for a comprehensive reform of immigration policy that ensured that Bermudians come first in the job search.

“The One Bermuda Alliance’s new work permit policy represents nothing less than a betrayal of Bermudians,” he said.

“Many Bermudians are unable to find full, part-time or summer employment and, with the strong anti-Bermudian sentiment among some employers, the OBA’s policy adds yet another stumbling block to fairness and opportunity for all Bermudians.”

Mr Brown said the exploitation of cheap foreign labour needed to be addressed.

“The PLP is pushing for a joint select committee on immigration reform to allow for the intellect and ability of both parties to be united on getting immigration right for our people,” he said.

“The OBA has rejected this proposal. We encourage Bermudians to let their voices be heard and let the OBA know that this policy is bad for Bermuda and terrible for Bermudians.”

Members of Parliament from both sides of the political table spoke at length on the new immigration reforms on Monday night.

Junior Minister for Home Affairs Sylvan Richards said: “There is a process to go through under the new policy where dependents of work permit holders can seek employment.

“They still need a work permit — they are still under immigration control.”

But members of the PLP claimed that the policy was anti-Bermudian.

Mr Burt said: “The labour force survey conducted last year says 3,486 unemployed persons in Bermuda is the highest number on record ever.

“Against that backdrop, we see the OBA making it easier for persons to come into Bermuda to seek permission to seek a job.

“Nobody on the government benches has denied that this is a change on policy.

“What is now possible was not possible previously. Previously, if you were the child of a work permit holder, you were not able to come to Bermuda and find a job.”