Some key workers will soon be exempt from work permits and able to get permanent residency for themselves, their spouses and their children, Premier Paula Cox announced yesterday.Senior executives and those responsible for making decisions that are “critical to the continuity of a company in Bermuda” will be offered those incentives, the Premier told the House of Assembly. They will be able to get Permanent Resident’s Certificates for themselves and their families after ten years on the Island. Ms Cox added that the policy will soon be amended so some jobs will be automatically eligible for a ten-year work permit.“These amendments send the right signals that we are open and welcoming to business while ensuring that Bermudians will continue to not only be employed but achieve their aspirations,” said Ms Cox in a ministerial statement. “The objectives of the amendments will be to recognise and provide concessions to businesses that are critical to the economic success of Bermuda, and enable non-Bermudian key personnel to be exempt from work permits, with the possibility of attaining Permanent Resident’s Certificate status after ten years for themselves, their spouses and children.“Individuals that will be eligible for these incentives will include senior executives that are responsible for making decisions that are critical to the continuity of the company in Bermuda and where the company’s presence in Bermuda is contingent on that person remaining in Bermuda.”The Opposition has long complained strict term limits are unwelcoming to international business and threaten the financial success of the Island.However, former Immigration Minister David Burch repeatedly turned down their calls, describing term limits as “pro-Bermuda and its people”.Ms Cox told the House yesterday: “I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the extensive work that continues to be done to protect our reputation internationally which directly translates into increased attractiveness for new company formation.“I have also highlighted one of the key initiatives on the horizon to retain existing international business and grow new overseas interests.“A number of island nations of comparable size to us have offered permanent residence, even passports, for a very high price. We do not intend to follow this strategy. We believe that any incentives provided to job-makers must be linked directly to employment and benefits for Bermudians.“However, we recognise that if we want individuals and their companies to provide long-term investment in Bermuda and Bermudians, we must be prepared to offer them benefits in return, such as job security and a permanent home for themselves and their families.“Also we intend there to be limits as we cannot open the door too wide or we will ourselves perpetuate what we addressed on becoming Government with the long-term residents issue.“It is key to signal that we are open and welcoming to business.”Ms Cox, who said Economy Minister Kim Wilson and National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief had featured heavily in talks on the subject, said businesses would have to pass a ‘smell test’ to qualify for the incentives, meaning they must show “clear, demonstrable commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities to Bermudians”.She said: “In turn, we continue to provide an enabling environment for business, without putting a price tag on Bermuda. Bermuda is not for sale to the highest bidder.“What differentiates and distinguishes this approach from others is it is providing a clear pathway for those who are the job-makers to reside and stay in Bermuda.“This is a limited pool and for those at the most senior levels, those who are the job creators, who decide on the jobs remaining in Bermuda and provide meaningful job opportunities in their companies for Bermudians.“So those who create jobs for Bermudians and that commit to Bermuda will find enhancements and a willingness to partner with the Government of Bermuda.”Ms Cox said the move is consistent with Progressive Labour Party dialogue, and reflects ‘discreet references’ from agencies such as Bermuda First and the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers.She said the legislation, which will be tabled in the next parliamentary session, will apply to businesses which employ at least 25 Bermudians and have Bermudian representation at all levels.They must also provide entry level positions to young Bermudians graduating from high school and college, have programmes in place for developing and promoting Bermudians, and avoid bad employment practice.Ms Cox also spoke of Senator Wilson’s pledge to implement a ten-year work permit.The Premier said: “I am pleased to report that she will soon be amending the term limit policy to identify categories of jobs that will be eligible for an automatic exemption from term limits and eligible to apply for the ten-year work permit.“This will serve to simplify the process and provide businesses with the ability to inform key staff that they are trying to recruit that they will be exempt from term limits and can remain for an indefinite period.“Before we grant any concessions, we intend to ensure that businesses which apply have exercised best immigration practices and their employees are of good character and conduct.”She said applications will be reviewed by a joint Cabinet Committee comprising herself, Sen Wilson and Mr Perinchief.