The Throne Speech, which sets out the Government's legislative agenda for the coming year, had a brief passage that strongly indicates the loosening of PRC requirements. It was interesting that this aspect of the Throne Speech was so low key, so much so that the implications were not picked up by the media.
The Throne Speech is here. On p5 is this passage:
The Ministry of Economy and Labour’s Position Paper “Addressing the challenge of an aging population and driving economic growth by increasing the working population” crystallises the challenge that is shared by several small islands and even larger countries: Shrinking and aging populations will not be able to support future economies.
In this Session, the Legislature will consider amendments to the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 to enact those measures recommended in the Economic Development Strategy.
I'd covered the Economic Development Strategy in a previous newsletter post. To summarise, the main proposals are:
- lower eligibility requirements for permanent residents (the Minister has already conceded that 20 years residency is too long)
- developing a points system for Job Makers' applications
- make it easier for spouses of work permit holders to work
- review restricted occupational categories
- lift the 60:40 restrictions on company ownership for permanent residents.
This supports a conclusion that the above proposals should come forward as new laws in the coming year.