HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – The new One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) government has scrapped the island’s work permit term limit policy, introduced by the previous administration 12 years ago, in a move aimed at boosting the sluggish economy.

Announcing the policy change during a media briefing on Wednesday, Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy said “We believe that the elimination of the policy will help spark economic growth and create employment opportunities for Bermudians.

“I want to assure the people of this country that this was not a decision that was taken lightly. We will continue to ensure that the rights of the Bermudian worker are a priority for this government.”

The policy imposed a six-year limit on most work permits for expatriates in an effort to curb long-term residency.

The OBA announced in the lead-up to the December 17 general election that it intended to suspend the limits for a period of two years.

Earlier this month, Fahy said the policy might be scrapped entirely.

He said after meeting with stakeholder groups, the decision was made to end the policy effective immediately, calling it a barrier to job creation.