Mixed-status families were asked to contact the Department of Immigration yesterday as part of the next phase of immigration reform.

Families with mixed status include where one parent holds Bermuda status or a permanent resident’s certificate, while a spouse or children do not — despite being born on the island.

Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, called for families to attend the gym at CedarBridge Academy, Prospect, between 5.30pm and 8pm tomorrow, and bring identification.

Mr Caines said the session was designed to find out the total number of mixed-status families.

“You will not be sticking your hand up and giving this information,” he said, likening the process to applying for a diver’s licence.

Information collection will continue at the Ministry of National Security at Global House on Church Street, Hamilton, afterwards.

People can attend from Friday until July 12, from noon to 4pm.

Mr Caines said: “We have made it clear that, this legislative session, we will be dealing with mixed-status families.”

Mr Caines emphasised that families would be able to meet, in relative privacy, with immigration clerks.

He added that it was also planned to tackle problems faced by long-term residents.

He said: “There are other key elements but they will not come as part of this parliamentary session.”

Bermudians must have “a place of primacy” with people “out of work and struggling to make ends meet”, he said.

Questions on the process can submitted by e-mail to jscott@gov.bm or by phone at 297-7819.

•To read the minister’s remarks in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”.