BPSU boss welcomes prospect of 10-year work permit, says it should be 'across the board'
The Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) has added its backing to the introduction of a ten-year work permit for key workers.
The civil service union represents more than 3,500 employees in Government and the private sector.
Business leaders this week welcomed signs Government may be relaxing its work permit term limit policy.
Immigration Minister David Burch told the Senate on Monday a ten-year work permit for key workers could soon become available.
He said he understood from meetings with international business representatives that a ten-year work permit would "raise the level of comfort in that sector".
The policy since 2001 restricts guest workers to five years' employment on the Island, unless they are key workers or their spouses, or married to a Permanent Resident Certificate holder.
BPSU president Armell Thomas yesterday welcomed an extension for key workers, and said he hoped it would apply in industry sectors across the economy.
"I support it one hundred percent, as long as there is some sort of attachment for the training of Bermudians," said Mr. Thomas.
"I think it should be across the board (in other industries), not just in specific areas. I think you will have to look at each specific case but I welcome it with open arms."
The Legislature this week approved the Government Fees Amendment Regulations 2010, which include an item for "a ten-year long-term work permit" at a cost of $20,000.
Stephen Todd, Bermuda Chamber of Commerce president, David Ezekiel, chairman of the Association of Bermuda International Companies, and Martin Law, executive director of the Bermuda Employers' Council, have all welcomed the possibility of a ten-year permit.
Mr. Todd said he also felt it should be applied outside international business, to other industries.
"We believe it is of benefit across all major sectors, not least insurance, reinsurance and the international business community. But we also believe it would benefit several of the general sectors as well, such as retail, the hospitality industry and corporate Bermuda," he said.
