Gov to Axe Work Permits

Tynwald will be asked to temporarily remove the requirement for work permits across all sectors and occupations, following public consultation.

The proposed reforms will go to Tynwald at the October 2023 sitting.

If approved, it will remove the requirement for work permits to provide unconditional confidence to potential workers looking to relocate to the island that they will be able to take up employment and move roles within the first five years with greater ease.

Subject to Tynwald approval of the proposed reforms, the requirement to obtain a work permit will instead be replaced by a simple registration process for the employer, providing instant confirmation to the employer and importantly to the prospective employee, as well as providing meaningful and much needed real time information on employment migration.

Enterprise Captain Tim Johnston said: ‘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 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.’

253 responses were received (250 via the consultation Hub and 3 separate written responses).  The majority of respondents supported the proposals as set out in the consultation.

• 170 respondents (67%) expressed their views that there were no specific sectors or occupations where the requirement for a work permit needs to be retained
• 205 respondents (81%) supported the principle of requiring an employer to register non-Isle of Man Workers in replacement of a work permit application
• 233 respondents (92%) supported the principle of maintaining the existing provisions in respect of persons with certain criminal convictions
• 163 respondents (64%) supported the retention of a fee, to be paid at the time of registering a non-Isle of Man worker
• 151 respondents (60%) supported, on balance, the overall proposed approach.  Of those respondents who did not support the proposed approach, a further 26 (10%) expressed views that the proposals did not go far enough and the whole process should be removed / revoked.