Hundreds of application forms designed to give a break to long-term residents have been picked up, Department of Immigration officials said yesterday.

But Chief Immigration Officer Martin Brewer said there had not been a massive flood of applicants.

Dr. Brewer added: "We have given out several hundred forms -- it's more or less what we expected.

"There have been a good number of application forms going out and we are now getting some back in.

"But it will be a while before people get all their documentation together.'' Dr. Brewer said that there was "a maximum possible'' number of 2,000 overseas long-term residents in Bermuda.

He added that it was estimated around 800 to 1,200 people would be eligible under the new scheme, announced by Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Maxwell Burgess last month.

And Dr. Brewer warned: "It will be months, rather than weeks, before the applications are processed.'' The stop-gap measure -- introduced in advance of a White Paper on the issue -- was designed to give 20-plus year veterans of the Island a measure of security.

Anyone "ordinarily resident'' in Bermuda continuously for at least 20 years up to August 1 and who has worked for at least 15 of those years is eligible to apply for a Working Residents Permit.

Successful applicants -- who must also show "good character and conduct'' will get the right to live on the Island indefinitely, retire in Bermuda and seek employment without restriction and without employers having to seek a work permit.

Those holding certificates -- if already employed -- will be allowed to work in their jobs without a work permit.

People who qualify, however, will have to submit a copy of their Working Residents Permit to their employer, register with the Department of Immigration on an annual basis and seek permission from the Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister before changing their job.

The permit scheme also does not give the right to vote.