Extra year grace period as Brexit uncertainty continues

Saturday 16 February 2019

Short term licences holders have been told they can stay in Guernsey for an extra year as the UK still tries to find a Brexit deal that anyone is happy with.

The Committee for Home Affairs, which is responsible for issuing work permits through the island's population management regime, made the decision earlier this week - with just over a month to go until the UK is due to leave the EU.

In a statement the Committee said that Short and Medium Term Permit holders who are due to reach their five-year threshold before the end of February next year can now stay for an extra 12 months. That new policy has taken immediate effect.

Home Affairs said it is part of wider States planning to help businesses deal with all of the Brexit uncertainty.

Home Affairs President, Deputy Mary Lowe said: “The Population Management Law is specifically designed to be able to react flexibly and promptly to challenges as they emerge. I am pleased that given the continued uncertainty prompted by Brexit, the Committee has been able to adopt a new policy in relation to Short-Term and Medium-Term Permits which will support the community, continue to manage the Island’s population and demonstrate that Guernsey remains very much open for business.

"I hope that this provides a clear message to local businesses that the Population Management Law is supportive of industry and is alive to the challenges businesses are facing.”