Bermuda's smallest political party has called for action to stop the exploitation of workers from developing countries.

National Liberal Party spokesman Graeme Outerbridge said he had evidence people from the Phillipines and elsewhere were being lured to Bermuda -- then expected to work long hours for very little money.

Mr. Outerbridge said: "It's completely wrong to abuse Third World people in this way.

"There really should be a concern about the terms and conditions offered to people coming here from Third World countries -- whether they're working for exempt companies or rich housewives living in Tucker's Town.'' Mr. Outerbridge said some domestic employees worked as much as six-and-a-half days a week for as little as $150 a week and a room.

He added that even $150 translated into home country terms for some workers was a lot of money. But he insisted: "It has to be fair pay and conditions under our economic terms -- not $150 a week and a room.

"I know a lot of people are prepared to work for that -- but they shouldn't be taken advantage of because they are a cheap pool of labour.'' Mr. Outerbridge said that language problems and alienation meant that exploited workers were reluctant to complain about their conditions. "I've heard of people who are not just nannies. They're driving the car, being the housekeeper. They're doing every single thing with very small remuneration and very poor conditions. To me, it's just so unfair -- these people should be paid the same as a Bermudian domestic worker is paid.'' Chief Immigration Officer Martin Brewer said his officials examined foreign workers' contracts closely to make sure they were in line with "custom and practice'' on the Island.

Workers face exploitation, says Outerbridge But he added: "Whether people stick to these contracts, that's something we don't always know about.'' But he pointed out the controversial Immigration hotline launched last week could be used by unhappy workers to complain about unfair employers.

He added that his department already "spent a lot of time'' responding to complaints from employees about terms and conditions.

Dr. Brewer said a guide to good employment practices was in circulation and anyone concerned about their work situation should take a look at it to gauge their position.

And he urged any employee from overseas who feels they are being badly treated to come forward.

Dr. Brewer said: "They should contact us so we can do something about it.''