New Tribunal To Hear Immigration-Related Appeals

The passing into law of the Bermuda Immigration & Protection Amendment Act 2011 ("the Amendment Act") heralded a welcome and refreshing approach to Immigration appeals.

The Amendment Act, which became operative on 10 August 2011, has established the Bermuda Immigration Appeal Tribunal ("the Tribunal") in place of the Appeal Tribunal of Cabinet.

In future, all Immigration appeals dealing with the grant or loss of Bermudian status, the grant or loss of Permanent Resident's Certificate status, the refusal of the grant of permission to land/remain in Bermuda, and the revocation of permission to land/remain/reside in Bermuda, will be made to the Tribunal.

The Tribunal will consist of 14 members, of whom the Chairman and Deputy Chairman will be qualified barristers and attorneys who are of at least five years' standing and who possess Bermudian status. There is provision for other barristers and attorneys of not less than three years' standing to be appointed to