Portuguese sent packing from the Island by immigration officers.

And last night group organisers called for widespread backing from the giant Portuguese community.

They urged Portuguese residents to attend a key meeting next month to hammer out a campaign strategy.

It could lead to fierce lobbying for a special policy for non-Bermudians who have lived here a long time.

"Government needs to be much more sympathetic to these people,'' said group chairman Mr. John Amaral yesterday.

He added: "There is a great deal of concern about the way long-term residents are just being kicked out.

"I'm losing family members right, left and centre. A lot of my friends have gone.'' Mr. Amaral said this year over 300 Portuguese had been forced off the Island as work permits weren't renewed.

Some had been here for as long as 25 years, and flew off with a bitter taste in the mouth.

Mr. Amaral admitted his group would apply political pressure, acting as a watchdog for the Portuguese community.

"We are an independent group not affiliated to any political party,'' he said.

"We already have some goals, but I don't want to say too much at this stage -- not until I know how much support we are going to get.'' The group, which has a nine-strong executive committee, is called "The Portuguese Bermudian Organisation''.

It is the first organisation setting out to act as a mouthpiece for the whole Portuguese community.

One of its first tasks is to gather statistics on Portuguese Bermudians.

More than 2,500 confidential questionnaires are being sent out into the community, including churches, shops, and schools.

They ask for personal details, such as names, dates and places of birth, addresses, and telephone numbers.

There are also questions on contracts, spouses, children, and date of arrival in Bermuda.

"We need a complete data base on all Portuguese residents who are not Bermudian. We have to do our homework,'' said Mr. Amaral.

"Once we have such information we can determine the best course of action.'' Mr. Amaral is of Portuguese descent but gained Bermuda status five years ago.

He has asked for filled-in questionnaires to be returned as soon as possible.

Information from them would help draw up a "plan of action'' at the October 4 meeting at 6 p.m. at St. John's Sunday School Hall, Pembroke.

The statistical exercise mirrors one being launched by Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman.

Government announced this week it would gather figures on the non-Bermudian workforce over the coming months.

It could pave the way for a special immigration policy for expatriates resident in Bermuda a long time.

The move follows talks with lawyer Mr. Trevor Moniz, adopted United Bermuda Party candidate for Smith's South, who has taken up the cause of non-Bermudians.

Mr. Pearman, however, has promised nothing, and warned against false optimism.

PLANNING AHEAD -- Mr. John Amaral, chairman of the new Portuguese Bermudian Organisation, discusses strategy with the group's publicity officer Ms Anna Pereira.