Majiedah (Rozy) Azhar was yesterday announced as Bermuda's first female Chief Immigration Officer.

Mrs. Azhar, who succeeds Martin Brewer, will receive direction from Home Affairs Minister David Burch and Permanent Secretary Derrick Binns.

A Government statement said Mrs. Azhar, an Assistant Chief Immigration Officer since 1997, brings a wealth of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the issues the role faces. She has been Acting Chief Immigration Officer since Mr. Brewer retired three months ago. Before joining Immigration, Mrs. Azhar spent ten years at the Bank of Bermuda as a senior business analyst; and seven years as a financial controller at Gibbons Company.

Mrs. Azhar said in a statement: "It is indeed an honour to be appointed as Chief Immigration Officer, especially as I am the first female CIO.

"While we have a number of issues to address this year and into the future in the Department of Immigration, I am confident that we will address them effectively thanks in part to a formidable team which includes one of the hardest working Ministers in Government, one of the most diligent and forward thinking Permanent Secretaries, and an Immigration staff of hard working, skilled individuals."

Sen. Burch stated: "There is much work to be done in the Department of Immigration.

"And I look forward to working with Mrs. Azhar and having her invaluable assistance in ensuring that all elements in the department continue operating at the highest level of efficiency."