A total of almost 400 people attended a series of meetings on Permanent Residents Certificate holders and status organised by a grassroots campaign.

BPSU leader Jason Hayward, of the People’s Campaign, said last night: “The meeting went well — people are generally frustrated and have a bit of anxiety over what is happening in the country.”

He added that people at the meeting were concerned about “the Government having a pro-business agenda and that they were being left behind.”

The People’s Campaign wants a root-and-branch review of immigration policy in Bermuda. Mr Hayward said: “We respect their views and we told them what the People’s Campaign was doing to address equality, jobs and justice.”

Mr Hayward was speaking after the last of three meetings — in the hall at the St Paul AME Church on Court Street — ended.

The meetings were held in the wake of a row which erupted after Chief Justice Ian Kawaley rejected an appeal by the Ministry of Home Affairs against two PRC holders being granted status.

The applications were made under a little-known loophole in immigration law created under the previous Government — which the Opposition PLP wanted to close after it came to light.

But Government did not support the move and argued that retroactively closing the loophole was unfair.

Mr Hayward said: “We have provided information in Bermuda status, how it’s obtained and the ways in which people qualify for status. We made it clear that having a PRC, according to the Immigration Act, is not a requirement for status.”

He added: “There is some level of concern, but generally, what people want is a little more transparency when issues like this come up.

“Again, some people are frustrated and want to see immediate action, while others are more measured and want to see comprehensive immigration reform.”

And Mr Hayward said: “We’ve had three meetings and we believe our message was put out there and was well-received by the people who attended.”