Extra staff to reduce visa application backlog

There were a total of 4,451 visa applications in 2023-24

Staff numbers are being increased to help tackle a backlog of visa applications for people who want to move to the Isle of Man, the treasury minister has confirmed.

Alex Allinson said the level of service had "suffered" recently due to a five-fold increase in applications since Brexit, enhanced common travel area compliance requirements, and unexpected law enforcement cases.

During Tuesday's Tynwald sitting, Tim Glover MHK raised concerns that some people were having to wait up to 90 days.

Dr Allinson said staffing had been increased due to pressure to provide an "effective and speedy service", which still needed to be "robust in terms of security".

'Frustrations'

He said: "Unfortunately it is now quite apparent that extra scrutiny is needed on the Isle of Man."

"We need to be absolutely certain that any criminality is weeded out at an early stage."

In 2017-18 there was a total of 856 requests for all types of visa application, which increased to 4,451 by 2023-24.

Mr Glover highlighted comments by the Chamber of Commerce that streamlining visa processes was "crucial to facilitating the entry of skilled individuals to ensure businesses have access to the talent necessary for sustained growth and development".

He also asked the minister when the "current blockage" would be dealt with.

Apologising for the delays some applicants had faced, Dr Allinson said the immigration service understood the "frustrations and the difficulties" caused by it.

He said staff had been brought in from other government departments but it would take time for newly appointed officers to become fully trained.

The coming months should see "a gradual return to normal services", he added.