Call For Register Of Expats In Bermuda Sparks Anger

by Mike Godfrey, Tax-News.com, Washington

01 May 2002

Calls for a register of expatriate workers sparked controversy in Bermuda over the weekend, the Royal Gazette reported on Monday.

There have been increasing concerns that expat workers are being employed at the expense of Bermudians, and government backbencher and former Environment Minister, Arthur Hodgson proposed on Friday that a register of expats' occupations and their qualifications might ease the situation, and stop the Island's frustrated citizens from taking their anger out on individual foreign workers.

'Qualifications and length of service would be itemised so every Bermudian will have the opportunity to see the register and see if they have the qualifications to fill the post,' he suggested to the House of Assembly. 'Bermudians could assist Immigration and employers by letting individuals know they are available.'

Mr Hodgson told MPs that although the foreign workers are not endeavouring to disadvantage qualified Bermudian workers, or to deprive them of jobs: 'they are the ones that bear the brunt of the frustrations of Bermudians who really should be looking at the overall policy.' He added that the effect of the anger felt by residents of the jurisdiction was now beginning to spill over into the tourism sector, observing that Bermuda has effectively put out an 'Unwelcome Mat' for foreign visitors of all kinds.

However, according to the local newspaper, several members expressed concern that the publication of a register could achieve the exact opposite of the desired effect, resulting in a 'witch-hunt' targeted at expatriate workers.

Speaking on Sunday, United Bermuda Party MP, Trevor Moniz, countered that: 'Mr Hodgson talks about putting out an unwelcome mat, but if there was this register, wouldn't people feel that their privacy was invaded?' He added: 'You could get all sorts of people making unwarranted criticisms and comments and targeting people. What he is suggesting is going to cause even more unfair resentment.'

At a public meeting of the Bermuda Industrial Union on April 8, BIU leader and Progressive Labour Party backbencher, Derrick Burgess slammed the jurisdiction's immigration policy, and was supported in his assertions by many angry Bermudians, who argued that they were suitably qualified for many of the jobs advertised by Bermuda-based companies, but that the positions had clearly been filled before they were even advertised.

'It's quite obvious the system isn't working for us. I've seen adverts that were tailor-made for someone (arriving) at the airport or who is already here,' Mr Burgess claimed.

Recommended