The Bill addresses this issue but creating a window to regularize this situation for children of PRC holders by allowing them to obtain PRC for a period of two years from the commencement of the Bill. Thereafter, the legislation reverts back to the status quo. This two year window is crucial for the Government to enact further legislative changes as part of Immigration Reform and to address the issue of PRCs.
“Our collaborative approach was most significant in the Bipartisan Committee. Members of the Committee are supportive of this Bill who shared:
- On behalf of Leah Scott JP, MP and the One Bermuda Alliance, Ben Smith JP, MP said:
“This Bill is the first step in the process of reform, and demonstrates that members of both parties have worked diligently together toward a common goal. While this is just a first step – it is not the only step and we thank the public for their patience with this process thus far.”
- Renee Ming, JP, MP of the PLP said:
“I am happy to have been a part of a truly Bi-partisan group that has had one thing in common – the protection of Bermuda's prized possession – her people! There has been much talk about the time this emotive matter has taken us, but we would rather measure countless times, but cut only once. We were well aware that we needed to strike a balance that encourages growth both economically and socially, but not at the expense of our people.”
Minister Caines wrapped up his Ministerial Statement by concluding, “One might ask this Government what are what this Government is doing to take care of Bermudians? What steps are being taken to protect the interests of Bermudians? In times of rising global inequality, when only the 1% seem to be making progress while the masses struggle to survive, how is this Government fighting for its people?
“The answer is we are standing strong to ensure there are fair opportunities for Bermudians in their own land. We are taking steps to ensure that through our policies and practices there are good jobs for our people:
- Through ever more vigilant Compliance the Department of Immigration is fully utilizing its 14 Compliance Officers.
- We have advertised the email and telephone Compliance Hotlines.
- We have revisited Open, Closed and Restricted Categories of Work Permits.
- We are insisting that employers have front line workers that speak English in this country and will take steps to correct this if they don’t.
- We are reviewing our Work Permit Policy to make it more equitable.
- We are requiring employers to have robust training and development plans to ensure that Bermudians get first opportunities for advancement.
“There are myths that have been propagated that need to be directly addressed in tabling this Bill today:
- This single Bill is not the totality of Immigration Reform – it is only the beginning.
- This Bill addresses the issues of Repatriation and Mixed Status Families only, but further reform is required to address other issues such as PRC, Bermudian Status and Belongers.
- The sentiment that this Bill does nothing for Bermudians is patently untrue and must be rejected – there are many black Bermudians who are caught up in the law as it stands with two Bermudian parents, but unable to claim Bermudian Status as the law doesn’t allow it.
- The idea that the problems addressed by this Bill have been met with indifference by Bermudians is simply false.
- The fear that this Bill or any type of Immigration reform will result in a giveaway of Bermudian Status and a loss of primacy of Bermudians in their own country is a fear that must be confronted and debunked.
“Immigration Reform is about preserving the birthright of Bermudian parents for their children. It’s also about keeping families together. We can’t forget that historically immigration policies have been abused and we have an obligation to move forward cautiously. We must move forward with Comprehensive Immigration Reform. We must boldly lead the way forward. We must listen, learn from each other and work together on this issue for the benefit of all of Bermuda.