The minister has asked the public to think beyond their own narrow interests to enable immigration reform in Bermuda
Wayne Caines, Bermuda’s Minister of National Security, has spoken publicly about roadblocks to the implementation of amendments to that territory’s immigration laws which were promised by the Progressive Labour Party (“PLP”) when it came to power more than two years ago.
Minister Caines noted that Bermudians would only approve changes to the legislation that would grant permanent resident rights to more people when Bermudians were convinced the system would give them a fair chance at full participation in the economy. This could be facilitated in two ways: firstly companies would have to be committed to the training and development of Bermudians, and secondly Bermudians would need to appreciate the economic value of international business and expect to work hard and earn the qualifications needed to take advantage of the modern economy.
He warned that thinking in silos would not work, but a “step change” was needed to ensure the social dynamics of immigration, including the impact of historic policy that had disadvantaged black Bermudians, to be taken into account, and advised that there should be a balance between the reticence shown by the local population and the demands of international business.
The PLP government had planned to table amendments to Bermuda’s Immigration and Protection Act, 1956 with regard to mixed-status families in July, but the bill was never put forward. There have been no developments since although a bipartisan immigration committee has held meetings in a bid to make some progress. Another group, BermudaFirst, has suggested that the territory’s immigration policy should focus on providing the talent Bermuda needs to sustain its economy and boost the working population. Their report was complied from the views of 90 volunteers, from many different sectors.
Minister Caines touched on the issue of compliance noting that immigration inspectors had launched more investigations into persons alleged to be working outside the terms of their work permit. Competency in English language tests for work permit holders in customer-facing roles, and a moratorium on work permits in some restricted categories were two more examples of policies being implemented at the Department of Immigration to ensure Bermudians get a fair chance in the job market.
