exceptions a) for key men and women b) in categories where there is a shortage of labour both in Bermuda and worldwide.

*** 2. The cost of getting a work permit for an employee will go up every year so it serves as a disincentive to renewals and encourages the training of Bermudians.

*** 3. If an employer has `effective training contracts' there will be no increase in work permit fees.

*** 4. The work permit form is being reviewed to make it more user friendly, and a check list will be created to check that the form has been completed correctly.

*** 5. A new process will be installed to deal with emergency applications in 24 hours.

*** 6. All applications will now go before the Immigration Board. Previously between 60 and 70 percent of applications received by immigration did not go before the board, but were dealt with administratively. This will no longer happen.

*** 7. The immigration department is to set up a database to keep information and statistics about job applications to use in making decisions about growth and man power needs. This information will also be used to help Bermudians seeking employment so that Bermudians can feel `empowered'.

*** 8. A department web site is to be set up listing all the rules and a special e-mail address installed for members of the public to make complaints.

*** 9. The Department of Immigration is to be re-organised and split into three teams, one for international business and financial services, one for the service industry and another for the construction industry and others. No additional staff will be employed.

BUSINESS BUC