Hundreds of long term residents will gain the right to apply for Bermuda status or a permanent resident certificate (PRC) after the Senate unanimously approved significant changes to Bermuda's Immigration laws.

Yesterday Senators wasted no time in passing The Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment Act 2002 which ends years of uncertainty for the long term residents. The legislation will become law once signed by the Governor.

"The Government believes that this extremely challenging issue is being resolved in a manner that recognises equity, justice and the dignity of all of Bermuda's residents," said Government Senate Leader David Burch in his introduction to the bill.

Around 400 people - 100 who are siblings of Bermudians, 80 who are parents of Bermudians, and 220 who have been on the voters' register before 1976 - are entitled to apply for Bermudian status.

Others can apply for permanent resident status, and those with Working Resident Certificate can have them transferred to the PRC.

The legislation ends "hardship cases" such as families in which some siblings are Bermudian and others are not.

Sen. Burch reminded his colleagues that the community was consulted at length before the new policies were formulated and the process which began over two years ago included debate of a Green Paper and a White Paper.

He added that Government had initially given an assurance that there would be no wholesale granting of status.

"However, ours is a listening and caring Government - sensitive to the needs, hopes and aspirations of both Bermudians and our long-term resident population. The Government reviewed and reconsidered its position in those cases where long-term residents have a qualifying Bermudian connection."

Opposition and Independent senators had nothing to say against the bill, but did ask for clarification of a number of issues.

"One of the nice things about being in Opposition is that we don't have to be oppositional," said Sen. Neville Darrell.

Independent senator Jeanette Cannonier praised Senator Burch for an excellent presentation, saying the bill had her full support

In response to questions raised, Sen. Burch said there was "not a chance" that those who were eligible to vote before 1976, but did not bother to register themselves will be sought out and given the opportunity to apply for status.

The concern was raised by Opposition senator Kim Swan, who admitted that it was quite possible that such people did not even exist or were very small in number.

"If they weren't interested in getting on the register I don't see why Government should seek them out," Sen. Burch said.

He also explained that a proper public relations plan will be implemented to ensure that everyone was aware of their entitlements under the new law, and he said that Government had also made plans to handle the extra stresses that will be placed on the Immigration Department.