Bermuda changes work permit policy

Bermuda’s Immigration Minister David Burch has announced that the country has ceased issuing work permits to certain sectors to boost local employment.



Burch told a press conference that work permits would no longer be issued for jobs in the construction and landscaping sectors.



He says he is worried that some firms, especially those in the construction sector, are reluctant to employ Bermudians.



The immigration minister says no work permits would be granted in construction and landscaping until he is satisfied there are no suitable Bermudian candidates.



He also says his ministry has received complaints that some companies are opting to hire foreigners instead of locals to fill vacancies.