Plan to temporarily scrap work permits

DfE to put proposals to Tynwald in October

The Department for Enterprise says it is proposing to temporarily remove the requirement for Work Permits across all sectors and occupations.

It follows a recent public consultation, during which, the department says, support was given for the proposals.

The planned reforms to the Work Permit system on the Island will be brought to the October sitting of Tynwald.

Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston says: 'Whilst the existing system works well for the majority of employers and applicants, with consistently around 70% of applications approved within the same or next working day, there are clearly still significant perception issues around the system, including new residents being faced with a level of uncertainty in the initial stages, and for the following five years.'

'Given the high priority in retaining and attracting economically active individuals in a highly competitive environment, he says, we must do everything we can to ensure the Island is an attractive place.'

'Reviewing our Work Permit system forms a key part of this, with a clear commitment outlined in Our Island Plan to remove any barriers which do not support our ambition to deliver prosperity for our community.'

'By bringing forward these proposals as set out in the consultation to Tynwald in October, the Department aims to make it easier for businesses to employ skilled workers, and to further streamline the process for relocating individuals moving to the Island to fill key vacancies.

'Alongside this, by implementing a simple registration process, we hope to also improve the quality of demographic and migration data collected which will help inform trends and outcomes in relation to labour market, allowing us to better understand our skills requirements both now and in the future.'

Government says the consultation had over 250 responses.