permit rules is to be unveiled today.

Senior Opposition MPs have slammed the new hotline idea as something more suitable for the Third Reich than Bermuda.

Former Immigration Board Chairman Gary Pitman, ex-Board member Cole Simons and Australian-born MP Kim Young united to condemn the tip-off line, days before its launch.

They all claimed Bermudians who disliked certain foreigners would be able to abuse the hotline to pursue personal grievances.

And Mr. Simons said: "It smells of Big Brother looking over your shoulder.

"I imagine it's like during the holocaust in wartime Europe. It's the same nonsense as people spying on the Jews in Nazi Germany.'' Ms Young said she feared the hotline was "bordering on'' a Nazi-style brainwashing tool.

"Anyone with legitmate concerns can already raise them,'' she said. "This could be abused by people with personal grievances. It could also be a tool for spouses going through separation or a divorce, in an effort just to get their partner off the Island.

"This represents an opportunity for anyone who is disgruntled with a non-Bermudian in their organisation. It raises frightening possibilities.'' Mr. Pitman added that he was also worried the hotline could be abused by extremists.

"We are concerned that it could be like that,'' he said, adding that he feared hotline callers may be able to hide behind anonymity.

He said the current complaints system required people to put their grievances in writing. Then meetings can be arranged with the Permanent Secretary or even the Minister, he added.

"Getting complaints in writing makes people think twice about whether or not there is a serious issue,'' he said. "The system works very well as it is right now. But the new system will certainly be open to abuse.'' Mr. Simons added: "It's something which will be very divisive for this community.

"We already have some issues which separate expatriates from Bermudians.

"And this sends the wrong message to everybody, particularly those companies who want protection for all of their employees.'' Immigration Minister Paula Cox will take the wraps off her plans for the hotline in a press conference scheduled for today.

She would not comment last night, with a Ministry spokeswoman saying: "There will be no comments until the press conference.'' Ms Cox first announced the plan in March, saying the move was a vital plank in the PLP's election campaign.

She said: "The hotline will provide openness and fairness and allow those who feel intimidated to complain.'' But she said malicious complaints would also be investigated to prevent misuse of the service.

Cole Simons Graphic file name: COLES