Manx work permit suspension could see reduced registration fees

Work permits could be temporarily suspended across all sectors for three years

A registration process to replace work permits during a proposed temporary suspension could have a reduced fee, the enterprise minister has said.

The application, which businesses would need to complete to employ a non-Manx worker, could cost £30 instead of £60 currently charged for a permit.

Tim Johnston MHK said the island faced a "major challenge" due to the "critical skills shortage".

He said that was illustrated by 1,000 job vacancies but only 250 unemployed.

Giving evidence to the Economic Policy Review Committee, Mr Johnston said the perceived extra "red tape" of the permits had led to some people choosing not to move to the island.

A consultation saw 81% of 253 respondents support the suspension to tackle staff shortages in some sectors.

Tynwald members are set to debate proposals in November.

'More certainty'

Under the proposals, the process of applying for a work permit would become a registration process for employers, which would ask for basic information along with a declaration of any criminal convictions.

A permit would then be valid for five years, which is the usual time required to get Isle of Man worker status through residency.

Department for Enterprise chief officer Mark Lewin said many businesses had raised concerns about the current system and the changes were trying to achieve "more certainty" for employers and people considering relocating.

The Control of Employment Act 2014 would remain in place so that permits could be brought back in future for some or all sectors.

Mr Johnston said a three-year proposed suspension duration would be a "reasonable period of time" to allow the department to "assess the situation".

If approved, the registration process would be in place until October 2026 unless it was brought back to Tynwald and extended, he added.

The proposed changes would apply to people moving from the common travel area, migrating workers from other countries follow a different process to relocate to the island to work.

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