Manx immigration services move to Treasury to 'improve efficiency'

Immigration services previously sat within the Cabinet Office

The transfer of the Isle of Man's immigration services from the Cabinet Office to the Treasury will improve efficiency, the government has said.

Passports, Immigration and Nationality services have now merged with the Customs and Excise division.

The move was among a number of government plans to prevent criminals exploiting Manx borders.

The government has said that by merging the teams, "a single enforcement team" would operate at the island's ports.

A spokesman said the move aimed to "improve efficiency and effectiveness through shared resources and personnel".

The new branch has been renamed Customs and Immigration.

'Common themes'

The government said there were "a large number of common themes in respect of the work undertaken" by the teams being merged and the change "aimed at increasing flexibility, resilience and effectiveness", he added.

Cabinet Office Minister Kate Lord-Brennan said: "Keeping pace with enforcement and immigration requirements is crucial, particularly around preserving the security of the Common Travel Area in addition to protecting the Isle of Man.

"Enabling the immigration team to join colleagues in customs, who share many responsibilities which align, avoids the need to expand both areas in terms of staff numbers."

As a result, this restructuring will place the island on a much firmer footing going forward in terms of response and capability," she added.

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