Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment Act

What this bill does

This bill makes it easier for families of Bermudians and permanent residents to stay together in Bermuda by changing immigration rules. It allows children born or adopted overseas to get Bermudian status even when their Bermudian parent doesn't consider Bermuda their permanent home, and makes the residency requirements more flexible for people applying for status or permanent residence.

If passed (voted YES)

• Children born or adopted outside Bermuda to Bermudian parents will automatically get Bermudian status, even if the parent lives abroad permanently
• People applying for Bermudian status or permanent residence can count their years living in Bermuda more flexibly - they don't need to be the exact 10 years right before applying
• Adult children and spouses of permanent residents will have new opportunities to get permanent residence themselves

If rejected (voted NO)

• Children of Bermudians born overseas may not get Bermudian status if their parent lives abroad permanently
• The current strict "10 consecutive years immediately before applying" rule stays in place for residency applications
• Some family members of permanent residents will continue to face barriers to staying in Bermuda long-term

Who it affects

This primarily affects Bermudian families living overseas who want their children to have Bermudian status, and long-term residents and their family members who have been trying to get permanent status or citizenship but struggled with the current strict residency requirements.