Nine construction companies have been "red-carded" by the Department of Immigration for failing to hire Bermudians.

And a "moratorium" was put on all applications for masons, carpenters, landscape gardeners and cleaners.

Labour and Immigration Minister David Burch said his department had received a considerable number of complaints, particularly because of construction companies' "reluctance to hire Bermudians".

"As one example, we have received information on a master mason who had applied to ten different construction companies and only one called him back. Happily, the firm who did, hired him and are quite happy with his craftsmanship.

"We have been provided with the names and adverts of all those companies where he applied. They have been red-carded which means all their work permit applications — new or renewal — are on hold and must be approved by me.

"Clearly these firms are not serious about hiring Bermudians and as such, they cannot expect the cooperation of the Department of Immigration. In each case a company profile of the firm has been requested so that we can see how many staff they employ and the breakdown on Bermudian or non-Bermudian."

Sen. Burch announced the move at a press conference yesterday. He said the moratorium would remain in place until he is satisfied Bermudians aren't "deliberately being thwarted" in the workplace.

"I consider these draconian steps but in this current economy it cannot be business as usual and employers have a greater responsibility to ensure that Bermudians are put back to work," he said. "It is not the desire of Government or the Ministry to see a business shut down, wind up, cease to operate or not be profitable."

Companies have been required to consult with the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), the Department of Labour and Training and Government's Hustle Truck before submitting work permit applications since last year, he added.

"I urge all employers to not only look at their bottom line when deciding whether to hire Bermudians or not but to also look at the social impact to the entire community of displacing Bermudians with foreign workers."

Bermudians who lack a work ethic are a small minority, Sen. Burch said. He added that firms that only have guest workers as employees could face a "bumpy road".

"I cannot continue to allow work permits to be approved in these areas while Bermudians are not even being given an opportunity at jobs.

"As such, effective immediately, all applications in these categories are on hold pending a full investigation of each case. Concurrently, those applications suitable for processing will be reviewed and approved by me and the appeals team."

Sen. Burch said he was hoping to meet with the Construction Association of Bermuda as soon as possible to discuss the move.

President of the Construction Association of Bermuda, Andy Pereira, did not respond to a request for comment.