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

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Senator David Burch said his department had received a considerable number of complaints because of the companies’ “reluctance to hire Bermudians”.

He said: “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.”

See tomorrow’s Royal Gazette for the full story.