Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell yesterday tabled the Immigration Amendment Bill, which he said would bring about the "reform that many people have been asking for". The bill would provide for the introduction of a resident belonger's permit to cover foreigners who are constitutionally entitled to apply for Bahamian citizenship on their 18th birthday.

"Many people have been asking about this category of persons between zero and 18," Mitchell said. "The member for North Abaco (Renardo Curry), for example, has been particularly concerned about this, which would give status to people who are not now covered as a result of the constitutional entitlement and this would provide for that."

According to the bill, a resident belonger's permit could be granted to a person born in The Bahamas to non-Bahamian parents who is entitled to apply for registration as a citizen and is residing permanently in the country at the time the application is made. Those who were born outside The Bahamas to a Bahamian man or woman who is married to a foreigner, are also eligible to apply for a resident belonger permit. The permit would entitle an individual to live and work in the country for a period, which would be determined by the director of immigration.

According to the regulations, which were distributed in Parliament, the permit would be valid for three years or less. The application cost for the permit would be $100. It would also attract a $25 fee. The permit would not impact the right of the applicant to apply for citizenship.

The bill also seeks to establish an immigration reserve, similar to the police reserve. The reservists would have to undergo training and may be employed to assist immigration officers in the exercise of their duties, the bill states. Reservists would enjoy the same powers, authorities, advantages and immunities as an immigration officer and would be liable to the same discipline. The bill would also give the minister of immigration the power to establish a detention center at one or more locations in The Bahamas.

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