for the Portuguese.

The survey has been conducted by the recently-formed Portuguese Bermudian Organisation.

It is part of a concerted campaign to turn up the pre-election heat on Government. Organisation leaders fear Government is dragging its heels on the issue.

The pressure group is fighting for better job prospects for Portuguese youths.

It also wants long-time resident Portuguese to be allowed to stay.

The findings of the written survey will be released shortly.

"They are still being compiled, but will be publicised,'' said vice-chairman Mr. Mike Medeiros.

Meanwhile, Government yesterday came under fresh pressure from the group to remove a career stumbling block for Portuguese youths.

It has been urged to allow Portuguese 18 to 21-year-olds to apply for scholarships -- as Bermudians can.

Group leaders are also appealing for new employment rights for 22 to 26-year-olds.

The group has stepped up its campaign after coming forward with population statistics.

It claims the figures show Government would not open the floodgates by relaxing its immigration policies.

According to 1991 statistics, just 4.6 percent of Bermuda's 18 to 21-year-olds are non-Bermudian.

These are youths who will eventually be entitled to status when they are 21 because they were born here and include those born overseas -- but who came here before the age of six -- who will also receive status after living in Bermuda 21 years.

Group chairman Miss Anna Faria said it was unfair, therefore, to deprive them of scholarships.

"They have completed the same schooling as Bermudian children,'' she said.

"They will eventually become Bermudian so why should they be penalised like this.'' Figures also show that only 3.7 percent of Bermuda's 22 to 26 year-olds are non-Bermudian.

Those born in Bermuda are entitled to status -- and the foreign-born will become eligible after living here 21 years.

"This 3.7 percent fall under the same category as contract workers and are required to go through the same immigration procedures for employment,'' said Mr. Medeiros.

"We proposed that a special category is established for these future Bermudians where they can at least be granted advertising waivers to better their chances of finding employment.''