Controversial new work permit policies are not set in stone, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox promised yesterday.

She said consultation with business representatives and other groups was not just a formality.

But Ms Cox noted she was "favourably disposed'' toward a "zero-based'' immigration policy, which meant that instead of working up from previous year's figures as the baseline, each year would be looked at afresh.

Ms Cox told the House of Assembly: "I am fully aware that the draft proposals have engendered lively and sometimes acrimonious debate. It has even been suggested that the policies are a done deal and the consultative process is a meaningless waste of time.

"The suggestion ascribes the worst possible motives to me and to the Government. It is insulting and simply not true.

"This Government is committed to forging genuine partnerships and to listening to those who wish to share their views, whatever their perspective, and clearly there are wide-ranging opinions.'' Ms Cox pledged: "On behalf of the Government, I give a firm undertaking that all views will be considered in developing the final policies.'' News of the change sent shock waves through the Island's business community with some predicting problems in finding and retaining staff.

The draft policy suggested time limits on work permits -- likely to be six years -- with exceptions for key personnel.

And the draft also envisaged a cost ladder for work permit renewals with successive years becoming more expensive to discourage renewals and promote the training of Bermudians.

The Immigration Department could also be restructured with the Immigration Board scrutinising every application for a permit.

Incentives for firms prepared to train Bermudians and an understudy programme were also highlighted.

But business leaders said strict limits on work permits would make it difficult to attract quality staff from overseas, while the understudy scheme could prove to be a huge expense for firms with no guarantee that understudies would stay on after training.

And one international company chief -- William Williams of STW -- announced he would be moving his business to the US, citing the new policy and Commission for Unity and Racial Equality regulations on race reporting in the workplace as the main reasons.

Ms Cox said yesterday: "Clearly, there have been some very focussed and sensible proposals articulated. Clearly too, there is scope for further refinement and amendment of the draft proposals.

"The process is now at the midway mark. At this stage, the aim is to consolidate, to consider and, where thought fit, to incorporate the submissions made into the draft policy document prior to it being finalised.'' But she added: "As a Country, we cannot adopt an ostrich mentality and shy away from the thorny and ticklish issues. It would be nice if one could please everyone and ruffle no feathers.

"However, that is not possible. Neither does it demonstrate leadership. The inescapable reality is good governance involves balancing sometimes competing, sometimes complementary interests.

"Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of immigration policy.

Everyone has an opinion.'' Ms Cox said more than 150 copies of the draft policy had gone out and in excess of 30 written submissions had been made, while she had met face-to-face with around 20 individuals and representative bodies.

She added: "I would characterise the meetings as cordial and constructive and would like to go on record as saying how much I appreciate the efforts of all those who have contributed to the consultative process.'' She added: "The Government acknowledges and recognises the legitimate employment aspirations of Bermudians and the commercial realities of a vibrant, sophisticated economy with its need for a productive, trained and skilled workforce that can compete in the global market place.'' Paula Cox