Companies could be given global work permits and internal promotions may no longer need permit approval.Those were some of the ideas discussed when Government met with industry stakeholders to review the first draft of the 2012 Work Permit Policies.While Government has not detailed any proposed changes, one source told The Royal Gazette that proposals discussed during the eight-hour meeting included the ability for companies to promote staff without requiring a new work permit approval.Other discussed proposals reportedly included:n Companies being required to advertise positions in newspapers once rather than three times, provided that they advertise with other media.n Companies being set up in Bermuda being granted five work permits automatically for the first year.n Government reviewing any new jobs to see if there are any qualified Bermudians on their lists.n The establishment of “Global Work Permits,” allowing a company to transfer staff from other branches to Bermuda, provided that they have worked for the company for two years.The source stressed that the elements were only proposals being discussed. As of press time last night, Government has not responded as to the veracity of the information provided by the source.Government had announced earlier this year that it would conduct a full review of its work permit policies, which have been a long standing subject of debate.Critics have said that limits on work permits discourages companies and limits job creation.In a statement released on Sunday, The Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry were joined by representatives of groups including the Trade Union congress, the Chamber of Commerce, the Bermuda Hotel Association, the Bermuda Human Resources Association and the Bermuda Employers Council.Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Patrice Minors said: “I am pleased with the outcome of the meeting. The dialogue was productive and the group engaged in healthy discussion with regard to the way forward.“Our overall aim is to clarify and modernise Bermuda’s work permit regime while at the same time emphasising that Bermuda is a business-friendly jurisdiction.“Any new policy needs to be focused on retaining jobs in Bermuda, stimulating job creation and providing greater regulatory flexibility.“Ultimately, however, it is my goal to ensure a balance that does not disadvantage Bermudians, and which supports a beneficial, profitable business sector.”The Minister promised that the discussion will be followed with further consultation with stakeholders before the new policies are finalised and implemented in the coming weeks.