Retention and repatriation of able bodied Bermudians
From "Addressing the Challenge of an Ageing Population in Bermuda"
Go to the project
A. Emigration – the retention and repatriation of able-bodied Bermudians.
This aspect of the policy is admirable; however, real
consideration needs to be given to widening the scope of the definition of
Bermudian. For example, those British Overseas Territories Citizens that were
born here have no chance to get Status through Naturalisation and have no right
of Abode in Bermuda after they are 18. This lack of permission to remain
creates a migratory loss that is out of step with the needs of this policy.
Given the pressing need to raise the working age population, the
policy is in danger of suffering from a lack of ambition. This will further
compound the loss of the resident population if migratory pressures increase
the lack of internal demand for goods and services - we know it will!
We are also reminded that mainly onshore jurisdictions are
suffering similar population decline. Bermuda is not unique in this regard! In
this context we will be competing to attract Bermudians back and also facing
stiff competition to attract inward non Bermudian migrants.
We should therefore be more open to the idea of offering a
migratory path back to Bermuda for Status holders and BOTC Bermuda born
nationals. The policy cannot simply rely on Bermudians leaving their new homes
to return to the very harsh and challenging cost of living in Bermuda.
In summary, the policy instruments do not currently seem likely
to reach the aspiration set out in the policy preamble. Namely, to increase our
resident population. At this stage,
Bermuda cannot afford to fail in its aim to increase its resident population.