Manx government ends seasonal visa route for hospitality workers

The visa had been introduced to boost recruitment in the hospitality sector

A relaxation of visa rules for seasonal workers applying for hospitality jobs on the Isle of Man has come to an end.

The Manx government confirmed the option, introduced in 2022 in response to bar and restaurant worker shortages, was removed on 9 November.

A "full review" would now take place into the need for the nine-month visa, and its "effectiveness", a government spokeswoman said.

But applications made before the closure would be assessed, she said.

Existing seasonal migrant visas will remain valid until their expiry date but cannot be extended.

The scheme had been opened to applicants from the EU to help Manx tourism and hospitality firms recruit workers outside of the UK and Ireland.

The visa was introduced by the government to assist the sector following the affects of Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic on availability of staff.

Those who had been considering applying before the closure have been told to consider seeking other visa routes into the island, including the Migrant Workers visa.

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