Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Patrice Minors said Government is trying to strike the right balance between interests of companies and the interests of Bermudians seeking employment in its Immigration policy.Ms Minors was responding to a report released yesterday by the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR), which proposed that more Government action was needed to halt the loss of jobs in the international insurance industry.Ms Minors, whose ministry is responsible for work permit matters, said: “I want to assure both the local and international business sectors that we are seeking to strike the right balance in these tough times between ensuring that companies are afforded the resources that they need, and ensuring that Bermudians that are available for employment obtain a job for which they are suitably qualified.“I announced some weeks back that we are sensitive to the needs of our business organisations and in that respect, I did confirm that an internal work permit policy review is underway — this would include the reorganisation of our work permit section.“As a result of the review, there are number of initiatives that we are considering that we will share directly with relevant stakeholders. The recommendations, once approved by Cabinet will be included in the existing work permit policies.“I think it’s also important to point out that we are taking steps to ensure that our business partners are supported. The public will be aware that the Incentives for Job Creators Act came into effect January 2012.“Companies that have invested in Bermuda and Bermudians have been encouraged to apply for the benefits, which extends to concessions including having up to five senior executives exempt from work permit control.“These executives can apply for a Permanent Resident’s Certificate once they meet the eligibility requirements. With regard to our 10-year work permit policy, we can confirm that to date five ten-year work permit applications have been submitted.”The Minister pointed out that eligibility criteria for the ten-year work permit has been revised and extended to include those working at the head of department level within the international business sector.Minister Minors concluded, “Overall while our first priority is to ensure that Bermudians are afforded employment, we are keen to create a climate that will help keep companies in Bermuda as partners in our country’s long-term future.”