Guest workers will be issued with ID cards as Government cracks down on illegal workers, Labour Minister David Burch announced today.

Sen. Burch said the move would help Ministry staff investigate complaints of people working without work permits, particularly in the construction industry.

He told a press conference: “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.

“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.”

For the full story, see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.