New proposals for tougher rules on work permits could damage business in Bermuda, it was warned yesterday.

Both business chiefs and the Opposition combined to warn Government that new policies -- especially a time limit on work permits -- could hurt the Island's bid to attract the best from overseas.

But David Ezekiel, of the Chamber of Commerce International Business Division, and Shadow Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley stressed the full details of the proposals would have to be released before taking up firm stands.

And both said they hoped that Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox would be open to negotiation on the new deal for foreign workers.

Mr. Ezekiel said: "There are certain things which we've heard, depending on how they're formulated, which have caused concern.'' And he singled out time-barred work permits, involvement of the Immigration Board in all applications, and understudy programmes for Bermudians in the workplace as potential problems.

Mr. Ezekiel said of time limits: "On the face of it, you can see why it's being done, because they don't want to create unreasonable expectations in terms of long-term residency.'' But he added: "It will certainly make it difficult to attract quality people -- and if you don't attract quality people, you can't run your business as well. Bermuda has been able to attract people of the highest talent -- the way we attract them is incentivise them.'' Work permit shake-up `will hurt business' "But for a large sector of the type of people we employ, it can't work. You can't bring someone who has a lot of background and a career into a situation where you say `never mind about career advancement because in five years, you'll be gone'.'' And he said much of the knowledge acquired by top executives, especially contact with overseas markets, could not be easily transplanted on to a local trainee.

Mr. Ezekiel explained: "In the competitive environment in which we work, you're talking about a lot of business being produced, not only with the Bermuda company, but with other companies. That's not something which can be simply handed over.'' And he added international business had already expressed concern over delays caused by scrutiny of every application by the Immigration Board -- which he insisted was not always needed.

Mr. Ezekiel was speaking after Ms Cox announced time limits on work permits -- but did not disclose the maximum length -- a cost ladder for successive renewals, financial incentives for training plans, as well as allowance for emergency applications.

Ms Cox also said the Immigration Department would be restructured and that each application would be scrutinised by the Immigration Board.

And he added that an understudy system would be extremely expensive -- especially given existing costs in Bermuda -- and that there was no guarantee a trainee would stay with the original firm in a seller's market.

Mr. Ezekiel said he sympathised with the difficult juggling act Ms Cox had to do between the various interests involved.

And he pleaded for both Bermuda and its Government to understand how international business had to operate -- and its commitment to employing qualified Bermudians in top jobs.

He stressed: "A job is not decided on how much a work permit costs -- it's decided on the basis of if the Bermudian can do the job.'' And he said big business wanted Bermuda to produce qualified candidates for high-paying jobs.

Mr. Ezekiel added Bermudians -- in terms of length of service, stability and cost -- would always be attractive prospects.

But he insisted: "You can't arbitrarily insert a set of rules when there are no alternatives.'' But he stressed: "You don't want to prejudge what we're going to see, but there's no doubt there are certain of the initiatives outlined in the Minister's speech which could certainly, depending on how they're implemented, be problematic for business.'' Mr. Dunkley said: "They talk about time limits on work permits -- the feedback I'm getting from the business community is that it's certainly not workable and I support that.'' And he pointed out work permits were already issued for fixed periods and could be axed in any case -- making a firm finishing post unnecessary.

Mr. Dunkley agreed time-barred permits would make it difficult to attract top candidates for jobs -- both for the exempt sector and Island companies.

And he warned: "That will lower the standard in Bermuda because we're not going to attract the best -- and that will not put us in the competitive position we need to be in for international business and e-commerce.'' He added: "We have to ensure Bermudians are given the opportunity to take on positions they're qualified for and that the Immigration Department ensures that, when businesses are trying to get staff on board, it's done as expediently as possible.'' Mr. Dunkley said: "I get a sense there hasn't been enough consultation and maybe not enough understanding of the total business environment, not just in the international sector, but the whole business environment.

"And before we make decisions about time limits and the costs going up with time, we have to consult business.

"But the reports getting to me is that that hasn't happened and that there will be major ramifications if it's not done.'' Mr. Dunkley added smaller businesses would find it hard to implement understudy schemes -- and the cost could kill some off.

David Ezekiel: `It will make it difficult to attract quality people.'