Bermuda’s border security has been shored up after an order brought by Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, was fast-tracked by MPs.

The Bermuda Immigration and Protection (Prohibition of Entry) (No 2) Order 2023 remedied an error for visa-controlled nationals that came about when the British Airways service to Bermuda moved from Gatwick Airport to Heathrow in 2021.

The change opened the island to travellers from a wider range of countries, and meant that those under visa control could pass through Britain without a visa and into Bermuda.

This created a conflict with the island’s obligations, since 2014, requiring travellers to Bermuda to hold authorisation for entry and re-entry to Canada, Britain or the United States, valid for 45 days from the date of intended departure from Bermuda.

The problem came to light over the summer, with an order made in August and gazetted on September 8.

MPs approved the multi-entry visa requirement for travellers without debate.