The Committee for Home Affairs has agreed to stop accepting any new or in-process applications with immediate effect, as per the recommendation by the Immigration and Nationality division of the local Customs & Immigration Service.
‘This decision has been made because the Customs & Immigration Service has identified increasing difficulties in reliably verifying employment references and supporting documentation originating from Bangladesh,’ said Home Affairs president Marc Leadbeater. ‘A number of applications have been received, where references were identified as being non-genuine, or where verification was not conclusive.
‘These concerns could have undermined confidence in the employment permit policy and as such, it was critical that action was taken.
'Ensuring that all applications can be assessed fairly and consistently is essential.’
Since the introduction of the employment permit policy in April 2023, between 110 and 120 short-term employment permits have been issued to Bangladeshi nationals.
To notify those affected by the change, Immigration and Nationality met with some industry leaders earlier this week to explain the position.
This was followed up with an email to employers, seen by the Guernsey Press, to notify them of the change.
‘We recognise that this decision may cause concern, particularly amongst members of the Bangladeshi community and those who employ or work alongside them,’ said Customs & Immigration Service deputy chief officer Peter Knee.
‘This decision is not based on an individual’s nationality, ethnicity or religion.
'Rather, it is an operational measure based on evidence relating to document verification and the integrity of the immigration process.
‘This situation will continue to be monitored, and the Guernsey Customs & Immigration Service recognises the positive contribution that people from many different countries make to our community and economy, and remains committed to treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.’
The decision will be reviewed at the end of 2027.
Deputy Leadbeater confirmed that the change will not affect existing permit holders who are already living and working in the Bailiwick under valid and genuine permission. Bangladeshi nationals will still be able to apply for long-term employment permits.
Where applications are already in process, affected employers and applicants will be contacted directly.
Short-term employment permits are issued for up to a year and are renewable until the individual has three consecutive years’ residence in Guernsey.
They then must take a recognised break in residence, equal to or greater than their last period of residence.
A seasonal employment permit is issued for nine months, followed by a three-month break in residence, and can be maintained without any time limit.