Immigration Minister Paula Cox has rubbished claims that a hotline to report on expatriates suspected of breaking work permit rules will be abused.

Launching the new hotline at a press conference yesterday, the Minister stressed that people had always had the right to make complaints about immigration procedures -- but that the hotline would now make it far easier for people to voice their concerns.

Earlier the controversial hotline was slammed by Opposition MPs who said it raised "frightening opportunities'' and could be abused by those with a grudge against foreign workers. Yesterday Ms Cox described those UBP MPs as "living in cloud cuckoo land''.

Claiming that the new hotline, which is in operation from today, would make the Department of Immigration more open and transparent, Ms Cox said: "A little information can go a long way''.

"Members of the public can call the immigration hotline to ask questions or register complaints. All calls will be logged on a recorded line.

"I believe a little information can go a long way towards addressing concerns and issues relating to immigration matters.

"People will be able to call the hotline 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Anyone who would prefer to speak to an immigration officer can leave a message. Their details will remain confidential. Any information received will be treated confidentially in terms of the source but will require investigation before any action is taken.'' Ms Cox also said that procedures were in place to discourage malicious calls.

She stressed that complainants will have to supply their personal details in a bid to deter false allegations being made.

"This does not mean that frivolous or mischievous calls will be encouraged,'' she said. "The standard of proof that the law has been broken will not be lowered. People must treat the immigration hotline with respect. Allegations will be investigated thoroughly and if action is to be taken as a result of the complaint then there will be an opportunity for the other side to be heard.

"Initially these allegations will be investigated by immigration officers but if evidence of criminal behaviour is uncovered, the matter will be referred to Police personnel.'' Ms Cox added that immigration officers were already "besieged with calls'' about immigration queries and that the hotline was "just one more string to their bow''.

"People are unsure of what their rights are and what the procedures are,'' Ms Cox said.

"I suspect it's going to be used by people calling up for information. We have a number of calls coming in already -- immigration officers are besieged with calls. This will take off some of the stress because people will be able to call 24 hours a day.'' Anyone with any questions or complaints concerning immigration matters can call the immigration hotline on 296-5202.

Paula Cox Graphic file name: PCOXCK