Guernsey Press

Home Affairs agrees deal with UK on immigration

GUERNSEY’s immigration policy will enable EU workers in hospitality and care homes to come to the island once free movement ends.

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Home Affairs president Deputy Rob Prow. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 28861132)

The UK is introducing a points-based system to control who can live and work there once the Brexit transition period ends. But the island will not mirror that.

‘Our committee’s decision to exercise our ability to not fully follow the UK’s immigration work permit policy, which was made following discussions with both the Policy & Resources Committee and the Committee for Economic Development, is a move that we consider essential to secure the best possible support for businesses and critical services in the island,’ said Home Affairs president Deputy Rob Prow. ‘Our committee wants to ensure that businesses continue to be able to access new staff from the EU into the future.’

From next year, EU/EEA nationals who enter the Bailiwick will be required to apply and pay for an entry clearance visa via the UK online system.

This will be in addition to a Guernsey employment permit application.

Home Affairs has agreed in this situation to combine an immigration work permit and a population management employment permit so they will be issued for a single fee.

These applications must be made before an individual arrives, which also allows for security checks.

This deviation from the UK points-based immigration system will enable the States to allow employment for EU/EEA nationals in job roles where workforce shortages exist, such as hospitality.

The Bailiwick forms part of the Common Travel Area which contains the UK, Republic of Ireland and the Crown Dependencies.

The immigration laws covering the Bailiwick of Guernsey run parallel with those of the UK and other Crown Dependencies to ensure a consistent approach throughout the CTA.

‘It is recognised that we have our own economic needs. A key part of our policy is that EU/EEA workers coming in on short-term employment permits, which are for a year and can be extended where workforce shortages persist, will not accrue settlement rights. This is vital to maintain alignment across the CTA.’

Alderney, Sark and Herm are not part of the population management regime and staff will need a separate immigration work permit.