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

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

He said it would also help ensure every qualified Bermudian is employed as the Island protects itself against the global economic downturn.

However, Shadow Labour Minister Shawn Crockwell last night said making expats get IDcards was disrespectful and dangerous at a time when Bermuda needs to do everything it can to keep international business happy.

The Minister told a press conference yesterday: "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.

"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."

Sen. Burch said his Ministry had received an increase in complaints of illegal workers, especially in the construction industry, although he was unable to provide numbers.

He said work permits would be more closely scrutinised, and before they are issued consultation must take place with Bermuda Industrial Union, the Department of Labour and Training and the Hustle Truck.

He added: "Bermudians we must up our game, tighten our belts and commit to giving employers 110 percent to ensure the country and the company's success and continued employment."

Asked about a timescale, he said it would not happen at least until the end of the year because it involved more than 10,000 work permits.

He said it would not be compulsory for foreigners to carry their ID around with them, but they may consider it in their own advantage to do so.

Reacting last night, Mr. Crockwell said:"My immediate thought was shock.

"If the Government is truly concerned about the future of the economy of Bermuda then first and foremost it needs to send a message to international business and treat them with a high level of respect.

"I find this message to be disrespectful. It's an entirely unnecessary step for a person to take. For people from these companies to have to go and get photographed to prove they are legitimate in Bermuda, that's disrespectful.

"We are really pushing right to the brink in terms of the hostile position this Government is taking to international business."

Asked at the press conference whether he had been in talks with international business, Sen. Burch said consultation had taken place before he became Minister as part of an ongoing process within the Department of Immigration.