The Minister of Immigration Walton Brown has revealed that revenue from work permits in Bermuda is expected to increase by $1,932,000 to a total of $14,564,000 in the next year. He attributed the extra revenue to additional work permit applications because of a predicted increase in economic activity in the upcoming year, as well as increases in work permit fees that are due to come into force at the start of April, 2018.
These figures were challenged by several members of the opposition. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin pointed out that for full-time work permits, the increase was estimated at $2.5 million, which she noted was a “significant” increase and queried how Mr Brown sought to fulfil his party’s pledge to ensure more opportunities for Bermudians. Opposition MP Trevor Moniz also queried whether the projected rise in work permits was realistic as he felt the numbers appeared to run counter to the government’s labour policies.
Mr Brown assured his colleagues that the proposed increase was merely a projection and represented the confidence his government has in the growth of the Bermudian economy.
