The US has Green Cards. The EU is instituting a Blue Card programme. And, now, Bermuda is introducing a similar policy. Minister Burch:

We have been receiving an increasing number of complaints of illegal workers generally but in the construction industry in particular. Now let me state at the outset that not every Jamaican or Portuguese worker in Bermuda is illegal – the majority of them are here legally.

As a result of these complaints – we have this week instituted a closer scrutiny of all work permits in this sector as well as placing electricians, carpenters, masons and plumbers in the restricted category. I have written to the Construction Association of Bermuda (with whom we have a very good working relationship) to advise them of this and indicate that we are prepared to work with them to minimize any negative impact.

What this means is that consultation must first occur with the Bermuda Industrial Union, the Department of Labour and Training and the Hustle Truck programme before Work Permits will be issued in these areas.

Additionally, we are closely monitoring all other industries where anticipated redundancies or layoffs may occur to ensure that Bermudians are the last to be displaced. Close liaison is occurring between the Departments of Labour and Training and Immigration so that any job vacancies can be offered to Bermudians first before any consideration of a Work Permit...

A few days ago I announced ID cards for War Veterans, today I wish to announce that ID cards for guest workers are planned as part of the overall upgrade and automation of the Immigration Department systems.

You will recall that we are in the final stages of implementation of the automation of the system – Work Permit Applications and I have asked our technical people to accelerate the ID card aspect of the project.

This is not designed as a Gestapo tactic but just as one is issued an ID card when you qualify to vote, when you reach the age of 65 and deemed a special citizen and to indicate that you have the ability to operate a vehicle - we will be issuing ID cards when you are issued a work permit.

This card will greatly assist the Compliance Department when they are out in the field investigating complaints that have been received of persons working without a work permit or persons working outside their job category.

During investigations when approached by members of the Compliance section guest workers can readily produce their ID card and prove that they are working within the parameters of their work permit.

This ID card will feature a photo of the individual, their name, employer, job category and ID number.

The objective is to ensure that every qualified Bermudian is employed prior to the issuing of a work permit.

This programme is designed to protect our guest workers and protect Bermudians. It will protect our guest workers by making sure that employers are not treating them unfairly because of their questionable status. And, as Minister Burch noted, the new system is also in place to make sure Bermudians are employed. He concludes:

The objective is to ensure that every qualified Bermudian is employed prior to the issuing of a work permit.

With the downturn in the world economy we need to look at protecting Bermudian workers. When instituting layoffs and redundancies, employers are reminded that Bermudians must be the last to be laid off.

Once again, your PLP government is putting Bermudians first.