Ministry: ‘Take Work Permit Violations Seriously’
Speaking after the appearance in Court this morning [May 29] of the Grotto Bay Hotel manager who was charged with employing five Americans without the correct permission, the Ministry of Home Affairs said they “take the matter of work permit violations very seriously.”
A Ministry spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs takes the matter of work permit violations very seriously, and while we are not in a position to comment specifically on the Grotto Bay issue, as it is a matter still before the Courts, steps have already been taken to strengthen the work permit compliance regime.
“Further, the community can expect to see legislative amendments in the coming months that further support the Ministry’s commitment.”
Last month Department of Immigration Inspectors visited Grotto Bay Hotel to investigate an immigration violation complaint.
Speaking at that time, Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy said that, “Employers should be aware that as we move forward with our work permit reforms the enforcement component will be strengthened.
“The Immigration and Protection Act 1956, places a burden on employers to verify the status of a prospective employee and to ensure that unauthorised guest workers are not hired.”
The Minister said a work site enforcement strategy will be implemented to address both employers who knowingly hire unauthorised workers and workers who are performing duties outside of conditions prescribed by their work permit.
Investigations will also involve egregious violations of criminal statutes by employers and widespread abuses such as harbouring, fraud or worker exploitation, Government said.
Minister Fahy concluded, “Essentially, the public can expect a new get-tough approach towards work permit violators and employers who knowingly contravene the Act.”
There’s more of them out there…drop a dime and “book ‘em Danno!”
That Hotel Manager has been here far too long,well over 15 years and has removed,fired or caused too many good staff to quit and leave.
What goes round comes round and I many others would dance in the streets to see him FIRED and REMOVED.
We have qualified BERMUDIAN Hotel mangers more than capable of doing that job.
Hello!! You are telling me that after 100 years of Being in the Hospitality industry we STILL cannot find a local to run a “Courtyard Marriott” style hotel? Sad! He needs to GO.
This is something that has been a “problem” for MANY years and when jobs were plentiful there wasn’t much said about it….only now that jobs are scarce are people making a fuss and bringing the “problem” to the forefront. ..we must remain a “proactive” community as opposed to a “reactive” one….
People DID report and complain about Grotto Bay and other places for many years,they were made to leave or FIRED!
In case you didnt know,that was the way it was!
The hotel manager is weak no guts he has sell his soul to the devil his day is coming soon,the owners should clean the house from the top ALOT of managers THRERE thinks the GM IS GOD AND HE CAN NO WRONG . THE ONLY PERSON WHO QUESTION his decisions is a shop steward who get written warning for asking questions when defending workers DURING UNION MATTERS
Yup, I know of one case of illegal employment occurring right now….and I’m following through with surveillance. I’m only looking to ‘line up my ducks’ before I advise immigration.
What I resent is people who say it’s happening, but do absolutely nothing except open there big fat mouths with no evidence whatsoever!
Put up or shut up! You know NOTHING~!
There’s a difference with what drew did with the uighers and this?
*DREB