Government has announced “the beginning of the end” for paper work permits, with the launch of a machine-readable card for guest workers.A pilot scheme for the Fast Pass Card begins May 1, starting with holders of periodic work permits only.However, according to National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief, the cards will ultimately do away with cumbersome documents required for non-Bermudians, such as the letter which must be carried for travel by spouses of Bermudians.Economy Minister Patrice Minors hailed the card as “yet another demonstration of this government’s commitment to foster a more harmonious and efficient relationship with our business partners and our guests workers”.More than 6,000 one to five-year work permits were dealt with by Government last year, she said, with 5,210 temporary three-month and periodic work permits processed.Added Mr Perinchief: “The Fast Pass Card is the beginning of the end for the traditional 8.5 by 11 paper work permit. This credit-sized card option is a durable, user-friendly alternative to the paper permit. The card is machine-readable and stores all information necessary for border control purposes.“Card holders can pack away their passports once on the plane and simply present their fast pass on arrival at LF Wade International Airport.”Mr Perinchief cautioned that Government would “walk before we run with this one”.The scheme will start with a pilot group of newly-issued periodic permit holders, he said, which are “generally for business consultants and others who make working visits of a few days or weeks at a time”.Eventually, the majority of paper permits will be moved to the Fast Pass Card, Mr Perinchief said.“All internationally mandated security features have been included, complete with an embossed holographic laminate featuring one of our iconic national images, the long tail. Thanks to Gregory Todd of the Department of Border Control, project manager, we have the ability to produce these cards locally, and the cost of doing so is minimal.”A similar card was proposed for Bermudians in 2006, but Mr Perinchief said that proposal had ended up “falling by the wayside”.Government sees no need, with the latest scheme, to issue Bermudians with a card, since native residents already hold passports, he added.The latest move drew a swift response from local business leaders.Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) Chairman George Hutchings said the group welcomed the move, adding: “We appreciate that the cards will be initially piloted for those on periodic work permits and we hope they can be rolled out to the broader community as quickly as possible.“We look forward to the Ministries extending this user friendly tool to not only all work permit holders, but also to spouses of work permit holders, spouses of Bermudians and/or any other person who has a close connection to Bermudians or work permit holders and requires documentary evidence of that connection. This is an excellent example of a welcome change that will make the Island more business friendly, efficient, and reduce bureaucracy.”This was echoed by the Bermuda Employers’ Council, with BEC President Keith Jensen called the cards “another important development in building an improved, friendlier operating environment for international business”.Mr Jensen added: “BEC members in a recent survey stated that one of the top priorities of Government should be to cultivate a friendlier business environment in order to attract International Business and to keep business in the Island. Every positive effort will help the Island compete internationally.”