Opening the door to Guernsey neighbours

Tuesday 26 March 2019

The States of Guernsey could this week give 'residential rights' to minors from Alderney and Sark who want to move to the bigger island, after years of calls for such a change to be made.

The Committee for Home Affairs has put forward proposals in line with the Population Management (Guernsey) Law, 2016 about the rights of young people moving to Guernsey from Alderney or Sark.

The policy states those relocating to the island for education, training or employment must have lived in the Bailiwick of Guernsey for eight consecutive years immediately before applying. If approved, all applicants also will need to have been first resident in the Bailiwick as a minor in their parents' household and should be under 29-years-old.

Anyone looking for training or education in Guernsey will be required to prove they have secured a place on a course before being granted a permit and will also need to be accommodated by a householder.

Pictured: The policy letter has been put forward by the Committee for Home Affairs.

Meanwhile, those who relocate for employment purposes but are unable to hold a further Short or Medium Term Employment Permit because of residency restrictions can "generally expect" to be granted a Discretionary Resident Permit so they can continue living and working in Guernsey.

Any Permit holders who have moved to the island for education or training must remain on the course full-time, and all will be able to benefit from an Agreed Absence of up to one year to travel, as long as they have been continuously resident in the island for three or more years directly before the absence.

But we could see some drastic changes to the committee's proposals if an amendment, lodged by Deputy Dawn Tindall and Alderney Representative Alexander Snowdon, is approved.

The amendment seeks to allow those living in Alderney and Sark to come to Guernsey for eduction or training at any age - rather than only those under 29 - as well as removing the need for individuals to have secured employment before getting a Discretionary Resident Employment Permit.

Pictured: Sark and Alderney residents could move to Guernsey at any age for education purposes, if the amendment is approved (file image).

It has been argued that Sark residents should not be treated in "exactly the same manner" as those from Alderney, as Alderney forms a "fiscal union" with Guernsey and contributes financially to public services so therefore would not cause an additional cost.

However, with only 21 current Sark residents aged between 18 and 29, the policy letter suggests there would be a "limited impact from treating both islands equally".

You can read the full policy letter and amendment here.