Chief minister says interest in relocating remains consistent

There has been "consistent interest" from skilled workers looking to relocate to the Isle of Man, the chief minister has said.

Alfred Cannan said over the past year there had been more than 1,200 work permits and almost 500 visas approved.

More than 1,100 migration enquiries had also been made in the past six months, he said.

Mr Cannan outlined the figures in a mid-term statement during the October sitting of Tynwald.

In November last year, politicians approved an economic strategy for the island that aims to create 5,000 new jobs, raise GDP to £10bn, and increase the population to 100,000 by 2037.

Record year

Mr Cannan told politicians the island had continued "to see consistent interest in relocating skilled workers", with more than 250 businesses "actively engaged" with the Manx networking site Locate for employers and professionals around the world, and more than 5,000 people registered on the portal.

There were a number of industries with new jobs becoming available, with 84 new posts in digital and 64 in finance created this year, he said.

On tourism, Mr Cannan said the sector had seen a "record year for cruise visits and passengers" as well as 43,000 visitors attending the Isle of Man TT.

However, he said while the overall the Manx economic outlook was "largely positive" the government did recognise the cost of living pressures "people are facing ahead of the winter".

Mr Cannan said support for those on low incomes was available via the social security benefits system, and the Winter Help Advice Line remained in place to support those struggling with costs.

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