A charm offensive by the Immigration Department is set to be launched, it was revealed yesterday. Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox admitted that many Bermudians saw the department as biased in favour of overseas workers.

She said: "People think the Immigration Department shortcircuits Bermudians' aspirations in favour of expatriates.

"Information and resources are required to deal with the root causes of this perception.'' And Ms Cox promised a review of immigration policies, plus cash to "revolutionise'' the work permit process. Ms Cox added that new, integrated fair employment law to cut down on strife in the workplace was also in the pipeline.

And she said a "complete review'' of existing labour law would take place with a view to a single act covering the entire area.

But Shadow Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley said the Progressive Labour Party had been dogged by industrial trouble -- from sick-outs in the Police Service and teaching profession to unrest in the Prison Service, TCD and the docks. And he said sending out the wrong signals on overseas workers could spell disaster for the Island's booming international business.

Mr. Dunkley added tourism had declined partly because of poor service -- and added that now the signs were international business was beginning to feel the same way.

He added that there was "no doubt'' that Bermuda governed its workforce strictly through the work permit system.

But he said: "Without work permit holders contributing to the economy all Bermudians would suffer.'' He added, however, that international business was becoming nervous over news of work permit time limits and a fees ladder for renewals.

And he quoted a letter from Chamber of Commerce International Companies Division chairman David Ezekiel which referred to an increasingly difficult business climate in Bermuda.

He added that he had heard a member of the Immigration Board had said international companies "benefit nobody but themselves'' at a recent public meeting.

And he criticised Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson for saying an influx of overseas residents were "damaging the environment'' and contributing to the Island's social problems -- a claim Mr. Hodgosn rose to deny.

Mr. Hodgson said: "I'm not laying all the blame for our social ills at foreigners' doors.''