Businesses now able to recruit from a wider pool of workers
GUERNSEY’S new population and immigration policy framework is officially launching today, allowing businesses to recruit internationally.
Businesses can now recruit from a global pool of workers rather than workers from Common Travel Area, EU, and EEA countries only.
The change was brought about as the UK implements its own post-Brexit policy.
‘Following the States’ decision in October to support our committee’s proposals on the future of the island’s population and immigration policy, we have been working through the necessary changes to realise the ambitions of providing even greater flexibility for businesses in their efforts to recruit and retain the staff they need,’ said president of Home Affairs Deputy Rob Prow.
‘We’re very pleased that the new combined population and immigration policy framework will be in place from today.
‘It will both streamline the application process for employers, who will now be able to deal with population and immigration matters via a single process, and also open up significant recruitment opportunities for businesses in the island to look further afield for the staff they need.’
Home Affairs has removed the need for five-year medium term employment permits, but retained one-year short-term employment permits, which are now renewable for up to three years’ consecutive residency.
Staff who are already using a short-term document may renew their permit for five years, and seasonal employment permits also remain available for eligible individuals.
Eight-year long-term employment permits also remain.
The majority of roles previously granted medium-term permits will now receive long-term permits.
The scheme limits workers on a short-term permit to three years, unless they progress to a long-term permit during that time.
Home Affairs argues this limitation – which means staff whose short-term permit has expired will not qualify for CTA-wide Indefinite Leave to Remain, or settlement – is essential to open up recruitment opportunities worldwide.
Businesses with employees on medium-term permits require no further action at this stage.
Further information visit https://www.gov.gg/epp
