AFB: “The Humanitarian And Right Thing To Do”
The Association of Filipinos in Bermuda said they believe that passing the law for new pathways to Bermuda status is “right thing to do,” saying that members of the Filipino community “actively participate and contribute to the rich tapestry of Island life of which we are all so rightly proud.”
The Government recently announced they plan to amend the law, with changes to include any person who is ordinarily resident in Bermuda for 15 years becoming eligible to apply for permanent residency, and any permanent resident who is ordinarily resident in Bermuda for 20 years becoming eligible to apply for Bermudian status.
A spokesperson for the Filipino Association said, “The Association of Filipinos in Bermuda believes that passing the law for new pathways to permanent residency and Bermuda status for people of any nationality or race is the humanitarian and right thing to do.
“It is accepted by many that something needs to be done to address the issue of long-term residents in Bermuda and therefore, the Association appreciates the work that is being done to address the uncertainty felt by some members of our community, particularly families who have already shown their dedication to Bermuda, and children who have lived here all their lives.
“The Association also agrees with the government’s position that Bermuda needs to maintain its population by retaining the current long term residents on the island to sustain the economy.
“We also believe that this move will put Bermuda in a positive light globally, in terms of complying with international human rights laws and best practices.
“Contrary to claims that eligible applicants run into thousands, as far as the Filipino community is concerned, there are less than 100 Filipinos [although some may not wish to apply] who will be affected by this proposed legislation, based on our recently gathered data.
“Among them are nurses and caregivers who care for the sick and the elderly, nannies who tend to the children so that parents may join the workforce and keep the economy going, chefs and waiters in hotels and restaurants, and other workers in the services and technical industry.
“Over the last decade, professional accountants and IT specialists have been hired to fill shortages in these highly-specialized fields.
“These members of the Filipino community pay rent, utility bills, pay into the social security fund, eat at restaurants, buy food from the grocery, and actively participate and contribute to the rich tapestry of Island life of which we are all so rightly proud.”
“The Association has identified less than 10 families on the island whose children were either born here or grew up here and whose only home is Bermuda.
“We believe it is right for this small number of families to be offered the chance for the renewed sense of security that comes with the right to become Bermudian citizens.
“These are the people who will plant roots in Bermuda. In the future, they will create even stronger ties here while investing in the economy and the cultural richness of our Island home.”
AFB: “The Humanitarian And Right Thing To Do” What more need be said?
No other country looks at allowing permit workers PR as a humanitarian action. They are not refugees.
Yes they are. That’s the standard practice in every other civilised country. Once you live there for a certain period of time (often five years), you can apply for citizenship. That is being humane.
No you can’t. You can apply for PR and after so many years and then apply for citizenship after being a PR for a set number of years if you are lucky to get PR. The key word here is apply. Apply in countries with more jobs and more room and still thousands are rejected yearly because the application is not considered to be on humanitarian grounds. It is on a point system that the decision is made and if the applicant does not qualify for enough points they are declined. If you were correct then Obama wouldn’t be under so much criticism for trying to give pathways to Mexicans living in the US for so many years.
Actually, I think you are incorrect in fact. If you look at countries like Australia that do the point system, the point system is for getting a work permit in the first place NOT for getting residency or citizenship after a set number of years. In the UK, if you apply and you are of good standing with work sponsorship, you get Indefinite Right to Remain after 5 yrs and you can apply for a passport after another 2 years. So,the 15 yrs for PRC proposed and 20 for status is actually much longer and much more difficult than other countries.
I have never seen a refugee piping to western union so many times or holding the latest iPhone,and bragging about how much money they make
Wow what about the Portuguese people who have been here longer and have help Bermuda prosper?
Of course, they would be coming out with their statement soon.
The difference is they’ve earned the right to. Without them we would have never had such a tourist boom and without them we wouldn’t have the beautiful agriculture we have. We wouldn’t have the Beautiful well built houses. Bermuda would have been a barren wasteland from the ship building industry. They taught many locals their trade and built what we have.
Portugal is not a commonwealth country. The pathways to status applies only to Commonwealth countries. That’s what makes a mockery of the whole thing. Many people from the Azores should have claim to status before many others now living here – but not under this policy change!
Smh we can allow some but not all !! Entitled because theyve stayed here for so…. Long? Smh right thing to do ? Id wanna stay here as long as possible to , if my home country doesnt have the economic rewards Bermuda has ! 100000 to one for a job ! Weve contributed to that countries growth for years . Weve payed them well for their contribution to us . Just look how many would love to work here !! I guess commercial immigration didnt work . So now the working class will have to Suffer more with the bar being So Low ! 15 yrs for PRC ? Crazy !!! Humanitarian my @¢¢ !
How the hell you’re going to say that? I know so many foreigners who have been here for more than 15-20 years who are struggling just like the rest but they want to leave! You know why? Because this is their home!
Let’s get something clear the only nationals that are contributing to Bermuda 100% are the ones that are married to Bermudians. I’m not talking about food and electricity, so remove that from the percentage. We all do that.
The people that are employed on the low paying work permits are sending their money home Western Union and MoneyGram. I have a friend who’s Filipino, he’s paid for his house in less then 4 years. Try doing that in Bermuda.
The individuals that are employed on work permits with 6 figures or more. They are the real money makers in Bermuda. They contribute a great deal to the economy by dining at restaurants not monthly, but daily. Thank you because the closest thing to dining for me is Ice Queen.$$
Now everyone needs to stop this Humanitarian crap. We have Bermudian children that can’t find jobs. It’s a privilege to work in Bermuda not a RIGHT. The Island is to small. Next time you look at a World Map look at the size of Bermuda compared to the Philippians. This island is so small that they place a dot and the word BERMUDA. People are working here because the pay is 4 times plus more. The Dollar will make you move 2000 miles away from your family.
They are helping to cause the problem in Bermuda encouraging employers to endorce cheap labor and exploitation of workers. Bermudians will not be subjucated to being treated like mordern day slaves after our Forefathers paved the way for us.
Come on West Indians and Portuguese stop being so humble. Stake your claim also. You are the ones who made Bermuda what it was pre PLP. Anything after PLP should be considered redundant.
Portugal is not a commonwealth country. The pathways to status applies only to Commonwealth countries. That’s what makes a mockery of the whole thing. Many people from the Azores should have claim to status before many others now living here – but not under this policy change!
The avenue is that they can become naturalised and then apply as a commonwealth citizen. Americans often have to do this to get status if they are married to a Bermudian for 10 yrs. That aspect of the law also requires the SOB to be a commonwealth citizen, so naturalisation first is the solution. No issue for Portuguese people in this light.
I guess quite a few have had work permits rolled over and over so they will now be Bermoojuns.
What gets me is the arrogance while the West Indians and Portuguese stay humble. These two humble groups have literally gone through blood, sweat and tears for Bermuda. We owe much of our culture to the West Indians and Portuguese.
You really think that other groups are not going to be releasing press statements? More hurt coming your way.
I guess they will have to now that they know AFB is pushing for their nationals status. BTW why would I be hurt by those who genuinely deserve PR making a press release. If you read my comment above you would see I’m encouraging it.
Your support seems to be directly related to an assumed melanin content.
It’s not me who assumes any type of melanin content. I realize mostly everyone has melanin content except those with rare pigmentation disorders. Most Portuguese have less melanin and most West Indians have more but that doesn’t have anything to do with the historical fact that their immigration was more of a necessity than the immigration of Filipinos. It was so historically necessary that the immigration of the two other nationalities was ordered by a governor.
These shows below are directly related to an assumed melanin content.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lotJ3e6bGg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRFVg2wOEto
You are also welcome to support your group just let it out of your chest
But you find the same by Filipinos to be “arrogance”. Discrimate much?
If you come to the party early and bring malasadas and jerk chicken for all to enjoy that is propriety.
If you come to the party when it’s over, brought nothing and expect to bring a goody bag of malasadas and jerk chicken to take home that’s arrogance.
It’s not discrimination it’s common respect due to the those who enriched our society.
Thanks for the confirmation of your blatant discrimination. The individuals involved no matter where they come from are eligible based on the same criteria. Those here long before this timeframe already would be status holders.
hello
Fortunately, that same nationality you discriminate do not operate like that. They will invite you to their party, entertain you, give you the best seats, feed you like crazy, treat you like a king or queen and send you home with a bag full of your malasadas and jerk chicken.
You don’t know half of the story, so stop hating. Just because they were the first ones from the associations to come up with a statement does not make them arrogant, a claim which is actually ridiculous. These people have silently endured the bullying (perhaps from people like you) at the workplace and wherever they are unfortunate enough to meet someone who has a chip on his/her shoulder. Just remember that hate and envy will get you nowhere. Peace out!
What are you trying to say, Sir? Do you not know that Filipinos are one of the most humble and friendly people on earth? But if you’re one of those haters, there is no way to convince you otherwise. Just wait ’til the West Indians and Portuguese come up with their own public statements. Nobody refutes the tremendous contributions of these people to Bermuda’s economy and history. T
Being a ass kisser is not the same as being humble, they just know with to be like that
“Do you not know that Filipinos are one of the most humble and friendly people on earth?”
Go and tell that to the Bermudians that lost their jobs to them.
The only Bermudians who have lost jobs to overseas workers are those who either weren’t qualified to do the job, or couldn’t be bothered to do the job. Bermudians have a job for life, all they need to do is to make the effort. If they don’t that’s their loss, and Bermudian employers will employ people who can work.
Which camp do you fall into?
If that makes you feel better believe that fallacy.
Bermudians don’t have a job for life when employers have the same prejudice views of Bermudians as you. How could you possibly know if the thousands of Bermudians unemployed are unqualified or effortless. The government cant even pull those stats out their backside because they’ve never even bothered to collect them.
You are a foolish naive if you think employers will employ Bermudians who can work when they can hire a foreigner who can work for less. Especially when the job requires limited skills. Many employers are just as prejudice as you and since the law only requires a position to advertise for 8 days and allows the employer to embellish a job criteria they can get away with it.
I’m in neither camp but that’s because I am my own boss. The camp I’m in is the one that sees the truth of what is going on. It happens in China, Singapore and many other countries where employers care more about saving money than hiring their nationals and the government turns a blind eye to it while poverty grows and it happens in Bermuda also.
I’m tired of reading these type of comments here when I know people close to me who are struggling because even when they report misconduct a blind eyes is turned.
Thousands lost their jobs to waiters, bar tenders, pot washers, nannies, care givers and nurses. We need to train bermudiana to qualify for these special professions
Or on the flipside Bermudians who can’t. Compete with a Labour force that has a predetermined advantage over the Bermudian workforces in that if I as a business person see the opportunity to simply get a service for less money what do you think the majority will do?
Case and point – if I can afford to pay a Filipino Nanny 7.50 an hour and let them live in my house what Bermudian would I do the same for who could live off that pittance.
Also what Bermudian would be able to run to Western Union and export their earnings at an astronomical exchange rate where the windfall of sacrifice is a huge economic return.
This all based on the unscrupulous employer who in some instances abuses the Filipino worker verbally and physically.
Ask the AFB to discuss how many times a OFW is treated likes an animal.
Sometimes people in despair accept any treatment to better themselves. Some call it sacrifice some call it selfexploitation but what I call it is basic economic principles being applied
So to say the only BERMUDIANS……blah blah blah ……is ludicrous at best.
Bermudians have Ben priced out of the employment market due to simple economics. The myth that Bermudians don’t want to work is not true.
Bermudians don’t want to work for The amount of money that employers, often of means, wish to pay. We simply cannot afford o survive in the local economy.
Landlords allow permit holders to shack up in numbers that are illegal. People sleeping in shifts on the floor with multiple roommates all paying rent.
Beck no if Bermudians were allowed to do that.
When I started working about 30 yrs ago I was shown a house on Cloverdale Road. The person told me to look at the shoes in the morning and then in the evening.
I counted the pair’s of sneakers I saw in the morning.
The number was he same as the boots that I counted in the evening.
The person explained to me the rotation of shoes and how the workers operated a and told me of the bunk beds in the house.
There were 8 pairs of shoes and the house was a 2 bedroom cottage.
Do the maths.
Bermudians don’t be fooled by the old wive’s tale that you are believing. Get out there and work and to bring the point home – not every country has such a well oiled pathway to status such as ours where the impression felt by Bermudians is that it will be the new status quo in a short period of time.
People used to see the arranged marriages in certain communities in the past and say whoa! Whatbwillnthwynsay now?
can anyone say “hit the nail on the head”
The effort you speak of is not a fair expectation of a Bermudian.
Nor of he overseas workers either.
If Bermudians had a minimum wage there would be more of us employed because employers wouldn’t be able to pay a decent wage and afford to pay for a permit and health insurance social insurance et al…
I could go on…..
Bermudians do not work like Filipinos and they show up and work without complaint…they also come in after the weekend and the day after payday….to say nothing of doing work that most Bermudians consider beneath them…..
What facts do you have to support this statement that “Bermudians that lost their jobs to them”?
How is that Bermudians lost their jobs to these people? Last I heard, jobs openings had to be offered to Bermudians first. How could Bermudians be replaced in the workplace then? I’m aware of several Bermudians loosing their jobs in the past few months, at various levels, but this was due to cutting costs by downsizing staff, not replacing Bermudians with foreign workers.
Yeah, because no employer ever hired exclusively foreign workers by manipulating the system, or denied bermudians a job.
No need to be hater just to say what it is been observed.
Even better than the real thing ✌
PR and Bermudian status are options, will the work permit holders of 15 or 20 yrs, take it? there are so many factors to consider , age is one, who would like to live in a place where you feel like a second class citizen, how am i going to live in a very expensive country is another one, there is absolutely no way i am going to survive with my social insurance benefits if it will come in trickles , after i have gained my PR status.
Are you people serious! Nobody told you to stay here this long and further more you have benefited greatly and have sent most of your finances back to your home country! Please name one thing the Philipino community does to assist Bermuda and Bermudians in any capacity! It should be a privilege to work here not an entitlement to gain Status! I don’t blame you it’s the Bermuda immigration that is at fault for this entitlement to Status by foreigners and this is the Exact reason why term limits need to be put in place!
I’m just so sick and tired and wish the election would take place already!
I suggest you click on the words Association of Filipinos in Bermuda at the beginning of this story. A monetary donation to a local charity to help feed hungry Bermudians.
Next – Quarterly KBB clean up by the Association of Filipinos at Astwood Park. So, there a two clear examples of what they do in the community, never mind the work they do in many capacities too.
The was only one time not everyone who does something for this Island goes running to rub it on people’s face, that is not being humble
They donated part of the proceeds while we donated over 50 thousand fully to them.
Nevertheless everyone should click the link to see how they’ve made sure they have set the wheels in motion for their permanent residency for years to come.
The Original Truth – why hate so much, particularly Filipinos? In this case (the biggest storm in a hundred years), would you rather be the recipient or the giver? 100% of the proceeds were given to the beneficiaries.
I don’t hate Filipinos I hate the fact that some of your nationals no matter how much they get still whine and complain. Case and point when many of your nationals whined about the amount of donations they got from China when China has the right to give whatever they want to give. How do you know 100% of the proceeds were given to the beneficiaries? Did you go to Cebu and give them yourself? What about all the other millions that came in from around the world did they go to Cebu? It was the biggest storm no doubt but it wasn’t the biggest disaster ever. The ones that suffered a far worse disaster never received a cent from most countries and didn’t whine about it.
Yawn…People, please just ignore haters.
Done and Done, you can’t possibly be serious? Never have I heard a more obnoxious, uneducated comment in my life. Shame on you. The damage YOU are doing to your home is immeasurable. Hope you are proud.
Done & Done,
Sorry you feel that way. Please read the article again and decide what the nurses, caregivers, nannies, chefs, waiters, accountants, etc. have contributed and are still contributing to the island’s economy. Not to mention the different charity work we do for the community. We spend our money here, eating at restaurants, shopping here, renting houses, etc., all geared towards supporting local business. We recognise that working here is a privilege, and it is true that the PLP government allowed some of us to stay here beyond the term limits, and you’re right, this is not our fault. And what do you do with people who have been here for the past 25 years and children who have not known any other home but Bermuda? Consider the fact that Bermuda’s population has dwindled over the last years. You need more working people to prop up the economy. Consider the truth that Bermuda is not in line with international standards when it comes to providing pathways to citizenship for long-term residents. You go to the UK and you are instantly given the right to benefits. Even small islands in the Caribbean have their own pathways to citizenship, so why can’t Bermuda do the same? We understand where Bermudians are coming from in opposing this legislation, but for once, let us all look at this in a more logical and fact-based manner.
“We recognise that working here is a privilege, and it is true that the PLP government allowed some of us to stay here beyond the term limits, and you’re right, this is not our fault.”
I’m glad someone finally admitted it since PLP supporters wont. Although yes it is your fault because PLP put a law in place that they exempted your nationals from while others had to leave so you are accomplices to a former government breaking their own laws. Laws are laws and you being on the receiving end does not make you exempt to fault.
I hope all the PLP supporters read this. OBA is just as bad because they have seen the facts and choose to bend them in order to achieve their agenda.
Bermudians can not just go to the UK instantly given the right to benefits. Grow up and understand that there are no borders on this earth that are fully open and it’s not a part of human rights for countries to allow foreigners citizenship.
If you want to talk logic. Within the years that the population of your national’s influx the Bermudian economy has not thrived.
The people here for 25 years were here during a period when Bermuda was still thriving and deserve to stay since they proved their worth.
Some of the eligible Filipinos have been here for 25 years. Assume much?
That’s fine if they have and I’m fine with them having citizenship. My gripe is not about the PRC path it’s about the permit workers that came during PLP’s mismanagement and were allowed to stay having a path. If you were here during the glory days you’ve earned your stripes. Stripes shouldn’t be given out to those who came while the ship was starting to sink and ended up putting more holes in the ship. Millions of dollars in remittances is not a leak it’s a busted dam.
The Original Truth – let me explain this, because you are misinformed.
The PLP term limit policy never exempted Filipinos or any nationality for that matter. In fact, hundreds of Filipinos were sent home in 2009, and the remaining ones are part of the less than a hundred Filipinos who have been here for more than 15 years and who might be eligible for PR. Some of them have been here for over 25 years – shouldn’t they, too, according to your standards, deserve the right to stay? If you still don’t think so, then you are definitely discriminating and singling them out as a group. Why so?
My Bermudian landlord earns from my rent I am glad I help other Bermudians to make it, many of you rent a full house for less and is 12 of you living together , who is beneficiating? Plus some of you are not even paying payroll, nannies and caregivers don’t pay rent, don’t spend for groceries, drive their employer’s car, and send all their wages to your country, how is that helping Bermuda? And by the way you work for bernews when a bermudian should be doing your job of posting comments all day.
Contribution dollars gone to the Philippines, how is that helping the people of Bermuda? Please answer directly
Did any of these “professionals” attend Recto University
go back to your island which is ten times bigger than Bermuda and work in making it prosperous like my unsestors did for Bermuda.
the election already took place.
an election already took place.Some share your view so thanks for offering a view held by some.
you are everything that is wrong with Bermuda
“Among them are nurses and caregivers who care for the sick and the elderly, nannies who tend to the children so that parents may join the workforce and keep the economy going, chefs and waiters in hotels and restaurants, and other workers in the services and technical industry.”
More like keep your homelands economy going. It’s common knowledge that your countries greatest source of economy is what gets sent back in remittances.
“Over the last decade, professional accountants and IT specialists have been hired to fill shortages in these highly-specialized fields.”
There wasn’t a shortage. Bermudian accountants were laid off and had to find work in other fields while accountants who were willing to work for less replaced them.
“Contrary to claims that eligible applicants run into thousands, as far as the Filipino community is concerned, there are less than 100 Filipinos [although some may not wish to apply] who will be affected by this proposed legislation, based on our recently gathered data.”
For now until the rest get their permits passed at the 15 year mark and they will be eligible also. I guess it’s gone over the head of everyone as to how your community was able to rise in numbers during PLP’s term limits. I will give everyone a hint. The hint is rhymes with male cutler.
They care for the money they make that is
And you don’t care for the money that you make??
I am Bermudian, are you because my government is supposed to help us Bermudians not crying arrogant
Until EVERY Bermudian that is currently living overseas, working, ENJOYING OTHER COUNTRIES SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES, SCHOLARSHIPS, SOCIAL BENEFITS, UNIVERSITIES, TRAINING, WORK ADVANCEMENTS RETURNS BACK to Bermuda then you have NO ARGUMENT Done & Done. Bermudians are living PERMANENTLY in the US, UK, Canada, Caribbean, Africa, Europe, New Zealand and Australia, to name a few places. PEOPLE including Bermudians have the RIGHT to leave the place where they were born IF they want to and seek a different life elsewhere. Fillipinos, like everyone else took a chance with coming to Bermudian. Some of them have worked here for two decades, their children have lived nowhere else. Why can you not see that they are ALREADY an integral part of this country? People have moved around the planet since the beginning of time, if the BRITS had not left to find Jamestown and landed here, YOU would not be here today. Quit with the xenophobia!
”PEOPLE including Bermudians have the RIGHT to leave the place where they were born IF they want to and seek a different life elsewhere.”
No they do not! No one is entitled PR status in US, UK and Canada except for those who already have permission. Thousands apply yearly for PR in US, UK and Canada and are declined. There are those who took their decline to court and lost their case because no other country looks at allowing foreigners to reside in their country part of human rights. You are also not looking at the reality of the size of Bermuda to the countries you are comparing. Just because a Bermudian lives in another country doesn’t necessarily mean they are allowed PR.
People are moving because they can’t afford to live here! It’s some b-ll*** that a foreigner can come to Bermuda and live a prosperous life while locals are forced out!
No jobs
No affordable housing
No affordable healthcare
Food is entirely too expensive
But who feels it knows it!
Don’t expect the crime rates to drop anytime soon. SMH
In response to Done and Done’s comment.
The say that the Filipino have done nothing for Bermuda and the Bermudian community is simply not true. Filipinos are a hugely positive part in Bermudian society, both socially and economically. Thousands of Filipinos work here, in a plethora of jobs and positions, providing vital economic activity in our small country. Many own businesses and employ Bermudians, such as Chun N Monette Wong and Johnny Wong owning and runnings Wong’s Golden Dragon Restaurant in St. George’s, and regularly utilise Bermudian facilities such as the Spanish Point Boat Club (for culture festivals), the BAA Gym (for celebrations) and the Speciality Cinema (to host a screening of the Mayweather-Pacquiao, of which all were invited to attend). How is any one of these regular activities not contributing to Bermuda?
Evidently, we do not need to argue to importance of having a vibrant and dynamic economy in 2016. Even if your blatant assertion that all Filipinos send all of their money home (which is completely false), had any modicum of truth in it, this is no way means that Filipinos do not pay rent, buy groceries, or pay their customs tax (both directly and indirectly), which all inherently benefit our society, through supporting our local businesses, individuals and governments.
Even with attitudes like yours, the Filipino community still regularly volunteer for charities, and fundraise for Bermudian individuals and causes. Only 3 months ago, the AFB played an instrumental part in raising money for Bermudian musician Mike Perenchief’s care in Boston hospital, and Filipinos regularly volunteer for charities such as KBB, KatKids and donating to the Eliza Doolittle Society (all in 2015 alone).
Even if this incredible contribution to our society is not enough, we can look at the AFB’s actions just before Hurricane Joaquin, where they helped to distribute information about hurricane preparation to all Bermudian’s and Expats alike, regardless of their nationality.
To make blatant and borderline xenophobic comments like yours is saddening. Many expats do see working here as a privilege, and are reminded of this every time their work permits are put up for renewal. But there comes a time when it is simply the right thing to do to offer people citizenship, because of the long term benefits and inputs they have brought to society. Not only is Bermuda one of the only countries in the world that does not allow for a path to citizenship, but we are currently infringing on the Human Rights of expatriates (both Filipino and of other nationalities) but also on their children. No matter how unsavory your view of them is, I’m sure that we can all agree that no one should be deprived of their Human Rights (as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights). Evidently, as we would like to call ourselves a developed society, and one that is accepting (as the majority of our community is), and this legislation is a step to becoming a fairer society.
Thousand of filippinos work here you said, thousands of Bermudians are unemployed I say
Boom.
The more accurate number of Filipinos in Bermuda is around 1500.
You must be a OBA Minister if you know that number.
If you want to babysit granny go ahead!
Thousands of Bermudians who have the opportunity to apply for the jobs that Filipinos have, every time their work permits are renewed. Who have priority in application. Who have the ability to read the Classifieds for each position held by an expat (every their work permit runs out), and choose the job that suits them, when these positions must be advertised for the government mandated 3 times over 8 days, and 8 consecutive days on the Government Job Board website. The reason that there is immigration is because employers need to fill jobs that allow their businesses to run. The government’s own Immigration Policy states that ‘An employer who applies to employ a foreign national in a job for which there was a Bermudian, Spouse of a Bermudian or PRC holder applicant is required to give clear, satisfactory reasons for not employing the Bermudian, Spouse of a Bermudian or PRC holder’. Therefore, the idea that expatriates (no matter their nationality) are keeping Bermudians out of work is not only untrue but also lacking in evidence.
have you ever wondered why?
Laughable. Filipinos seem to associate with a certain segment of the community according to his comment. Same all over again to when the Portuguese were used as a political pawn back in the day.
Yes , and we surely appreciate all that you as a collective have done . I do realize that there is strength in numbers . But nothing you’ve done here has resulted in inward investment from overseas . What you are explaining , is a direct result of the largess , which is Bermuda ! Many years ago Lady Cubitt established a much needed , well oiled charity that thousands of Bermudians have benefitted from … When it was time for her to leave … She left .
You go to be kidding, these association only helps people from their country, they only ask for donations, I don’t see them trying to help Bermudians. Hello ! This is not helping Bermudians.
Done & Done . . .stick to your guns. People don’t wish to hear real talk and truth. How can we as a country open up term limits when there are still Bermudians without jobs. larger countries, such as the United States only allow for a seven year total period of work permits before you must leave the country for at least a year in order to re-appply for work permits. And even their work permits have Cap Limits.
We live in such a bubble with all this about their contribution. Let’s be categorically honest here . . .they do what they feel they need to to make them look as though they are fully immersed and contributing to the country as a whole, so that when the do apply for PRC they have all these charities to say that they have done this and done that. Truth be told!!!
Ok so you stay here and work for 20 plus years and now the country should give you status? Who’s choice was it for you to stay? Why stay for so long? Bermuda Immigration and its continued failed policies..smh..very sad!
The statelessness of the Quighurs is a humanitarian issue. Persons having their work permits renewed without limit iand therefore remaining in Bermuda for a period of 15 years or more, is NOT a human rights issue.
exactly…they have received too privilege much to begin with.
Send all these foreigners home. Im Bermudian and cant find a damn job ive graduated from school n these foreigners are taking up all these jobs. Im tired of being nice n respectful.
I’m sorry, but granting Bermudian status is not a human right, nor is it a “humanitarian” issue. Immigration is a humanitarian issue when persons are forcibly displaced as a result of strife or unrest in their countries of origin.
In all other circumstances, immigration is a personal choice that does not automatically entitle individuals to a right to status.
I am tired of hearing this being painted as a human rights issue.
Certainly there should be a pathway to status. The automatic grant upon 20 years residence is not it.
it is still humanitarian, especially for those families with kids who had served their employers for 20 years. these children could never be at home in the Philippines anymore,as Bermuda is where they grew up and the only country they have come to know.
If bermuda was run or controlled by the few commentors and how THEY think it should be run..I’d give you 4 years and it would be kaotic cannibalism.
It’s a shame shame shame!…da dadada da da daa.
the immigration minister is cold and heartless until every Bermudian has a job then I say no no no to any type of status for anyone
If that is in fact true, have you ever asked yourself why?
How does the Philipino government deal with immigration issues such as presented by the association ?
Despite what people would like to believe everywhere has rules. Even the massive full of natural resources islands of the Philippines.
Be over 21 years of age on the day of the petition
Have lived in the Philippines for at least a 10 year continuous period
Be of good moral character and support the Philippine constitution
Have a minimum of P5,000 in real estate, money or have a lucrative job
Must be able to speak or read English, Spanish or one of the other main languages of the country
If the applicant has minor children they must have been enrolled in a school recognized by the Bureau of Education.
Depending on your situation there are three main routes to becoming a naturalized Filipino citizen.
1. The courts – if you are a foreigner who has married a Filipino then a judicial process will allow you to become a Filipino citizen.
2. The Office of the Solicitor General – the OSG has the power to approve petitions for naturalization. The processing fee is around P40,000.
3. An act of congress – if you have made a significant contribution to public life in the Philippines your application to become naturalized can be sponsored by a senator or congressman.
@The Original Truth; I like to thank you for setting the record straight.
Anyone from anywhere else in the world is permitted to stay / employed because the are a requirement in many field due to the fact Bermudians fail to have qualifications of DON’T make a stand and demand,(if the are capable of doing the job)but rather run their mouths about each and everything others are doing…
Some of my fellow countrymen seem so asinine
Many from elsewhere are married to we’lot and have our children so how can anyone say, “send them home”?
Raymond Ray says:
February 17, 2016
@The Original Truth; I’ll like to thank you for setting the record straight.
“Anyone from anywhere else in the world are permitted to stay / employed because they required…In many cases due to the fact they, Bermudians fail to have the qualifications or DON’T make a “stand” and demand,(if they are capable of doing the job)but rather run their mouths about everything others are doing…
Some of my fellow countrymen seem so asinine
Many from elsewhere are married to “we’lot” and have our children so how can anyone say, “send them home”?
You do realize this is mostly PLPs fault don’t you coffee. Especially a certain former member of the PLP. You thought the term limits was for all foreigners didn’t you? WRONG! They had to deceive you.
http://bernews.com/2014/02/photos-philippine-embassy-team-visits-bermuda/
I would like to understand the humanitarian hardship that guest workers face in Bermuda that is so devastating, that Bermuda owes them something, they are entitlement to status…
Quiet you silly Bermudian with your sense of entitlement, don’t you know foreigners are the only people entitled to anything?
A declaration that it is the petitioner’s true and honest intention to acquire Philippine citizenship and to renounce absolutely and forever any prince, potentate, State or sovereign, and particularly the country of which the applicant is a citizen or subject.
Don’t forget this part …. Will you renounce your Philippine citizenship …
It is clauses such as this , why , before any status is given to anyone from anywhere in the world , that we Bermudians must think hard and promote a responsible immigration legal body of work that entitles the born Bermudian full leverage as to how we dictate policy ….
The phillipine government have crossed their T’s and dotted their i’s . They now play us for fools .
Crickets !
Yes, I particularly like the monetary requirement. A minimum of 5000 pesos in real estate or money. That’s around $120. They really must have been crossing their ‘s and dotting their i’s back around 50 years ago…
Many of the comments here are sad commentary on the Bermudian population. The level of hatred is unreal. I feel ashamed to be a Bermudian.
I find it absolutely incredulous that I have to explain this. It should be clear and concise to every single Bermudian and non Bermudian. But for those slow out of the gates, here we go….If anyone like myself is a permit worker whom has been here for 15 years, it’s because a Bermudian hasn’t wised up and educated themselves to fill the roll I’m in. Now, since you have access to take student positions in MY country’s universities, which if I were aligning myself with your petty thinking, be reserved ONLY for my countrymen. But alas I don’t have your ethnocentric idealism, so I’m fine with foreign admissions. *sigh I digress. So now, why is it that in 15 years this country couldn’t find enough educated persons to do my job? However, in that 15 years, I have paid my tax, paid my social security, gave my landlord a pant load of money, spent my dollars in businesses and… all the while working in a specialized field that provides care and compassion to all. Your going to tell me that I don’t deserve to continue to be here? Your going to tell me that I need to go “back home”. Your going to have the audacity to say I’m unworthy of a pathway to status? Why you ungrateful, spiteful child!
And again, you can thank me for stimulating the economy. And anyone who dares tells me that I don’t have the right to do so, can get every last Bermudian out of my Universities, out of my Colleges, out of my country I was born in. We’ll call it even.
This immigration reform will go through. Mark my words. The OBA will align its policy in keeping with Human Rights Commission. It will, or it will be paying a higher price in the courts. And once I hold my PRC I will be buying a piece of this rock. Oh yes, mark my words. After all, it will be my PRC right to do so
Micheal Fayhe decides to try horseback riding, even though he has had no lessons, nor prior experience. He mounts the horse without help, and the horse immediately springs into motion.
It gallops along at a steady and rhythmic pace, but Micheal begins to slide from the saddle. In terror, he grabs for the horse’s mane, but cannot seem to get a firm grip. He tries to throw his arms around the horse’s neck, but he slides down the horse’s side anyway. The horse gallops along, seemingly oblivious to its slipping rider.
Finally, giving up his frail grip, Micheal attempts to leap away from the horse and throw himself to safety. Unfortunately, his foot has become entangled in the stirrup, he is now at the mercy of the horse’s pounding hooves as his head is struck against the ground over and over.
As his head is battered against the ground, and status applications are falling from the saddle bags he is mere moments away from unconsciousness when to his great fortune Frank, the Walmart greeter, sees his dilemma and unplugs the horse.
The hidden message ; Micheal Fayhe is a rank immigration amatuer , his standing as a lawyer has absolutely no bearing on the task at hand . What background has he in immigration law ? Frank , aka Walton Brown ! Horse’s pounding hooves , status seekers . Ground , resentful Bermudians who will not allow this travesty to take place .
This declaration by the AFB is a very distasteful affront to the host country , Bermuda . I believe that if any group of foreigners ever dare think to take their desires of this nature before the phillipine government , they would be unceremoniously deported post haste ! That government is serious ! It wouldn’t matter one iota what contributions the group has bestowed amongst the phillipine community .
Until this appeared on Bernews , I was like most good natured Bermudians , quietly abiding by the rules … But the rules are changing and threatening my homeland … This piece by the AFB has opened my eyes wide to the length , depth and breath of the seismic socioeconomic challenges we as born Bermudians must take on and unite against , by seriously acknowledging the damage being done by not exhorting fair employment , term limits , pay and other contributing factors that will allow masses of people to demand humanitarian relief in Bermuda notwithstanding that their quality of life in Bermuda far exceeds that which they could/would attain in their homeland .
My personal view of such people is that they are selfish and instead of giving someone else a bite of the cherry they , of THIER own violation have chosen to fight tooth and nail to maintain the standard of living Bermuda offers to them . This has nothing whatsoever to do with what’s right for Bermuda and everything to do with what’s beneficial to self .
Right now if it were up to me , Bermuda would lose many accountants , nurses , carerers , cooks , tomorrow ! Only to have a fresh batch the very next day !
These people are fake
If I allow someone to stay with me in ‘My House’, there is No Way they will be ‘entitled’ to have a say in the running of ‘My House’
Boom…not only that but THEY ASKED TO STAY THERE – thereby removing any right they have in the governance of your house…
BOOM!!
Someone pleath have Walton brown read thith!
Humanitarian? Come on, give me a break. Every expat comes to Bermuda knowing the rules and regulations. They are not forced or tricked into coming here. They come on their own free will after knowing the rules.
If they do not like the rules, they can choose not to come, or they can leave an go home.
There is no humanitarian case to be made here.
I look forward to seeing all the ‘haters’ on this subject here come back and give their .02c when the Association of West Indians make their announcement for inclusion also .
oh Bermudians are just too initimidated with West Indian. Same set of people who also come here and “take” their jobs and send money and build houses in Jamaica, Guyana etc. But they can only pick on these people who will not fight back…
Are you serious? They’re not gonna touch the West Indians because they will say, they are people ‘who look like us’. That is so obvious. If you don’t hear from the West Indians, then one can safely say – this is all about race.
so much bitterness and hatred over Filipinos, the brown race is being discriminated, like no other! Why oh why? we love and support our families back home and of course our country, that seeing them happy is our biggest fulfillment.Is there something wrong with that?
look around you, anywhere you go, yes we are there! still bitter about that?
How many of these people have attended Recto University?
Question: when they receive status are they still a part of the Fillipino Assoc?
I don’t have a problem with the Portuguese getting status but they must speak English some of them have been here over 60 years and don’t speak English. They don’t even want to talk to you but want to stay in our country. I think that once your permit is up you should leave and if given another term here you should be training a Bermudian to do the job. I can’t believe that when they want to stay they write their position so that no Bermudian will get the job. I have seen it done. So to all that apply for jobs make sure you take the add and your resume to the immigration. The other thing is that you come here to do a job not make families just to stay here. Anyone that come to this island for work should speak English or be given two years to learn they want us to learn Portuguese.