The States were asked to accept the new law because it would particularly benefit those who want to work or study in Guernsey

It will also mean that those Alderney and Sark-born people who are already working in Guernsey under employment permits will be able to apply for a discretionary permanent permit once their current licence expires.

The news has been welcomed by people across the Bailiwick with Alderney's St Anne's School Headteacher saying it was a "long overdue" decision.

Martin Winward said:

"Pupils in Alderney have debated this long and hard and represented on the topic on youth forums. This is the opportunity for them to continue their close relationship with Guernsey. Most young people on Alderney were born in Guernsey and while growing up have accessed sporting competitions and peer group support in Guernsey, so to go to Guernsey to study and have the right to live there will be a real privilege for them."

Pictured: Guernsey could soon be home to people from Sark or Alderney who want to move permanently. 

The new rights would mean fewer young people having to move to the UK for jobs and study, he said.

"Essentially this broadens the opportunities on offer to children on Alderney. We love to see our young people return to the Island, perhaps in later life, but this give young people the breadth of opportunity in whatever field they choose in a place that they know and is close to home. Certainly we feel Guernsey is the right offer for them."

Andrew Warren Director of Education for the Bailiwick, said Guernsey too would benefit from the move in terms of investment put into Alderney children.

"Firstly we are very keen that we provide quality of opportunity across all our schools and that includes St Anne's in Alderney, so this levels that us for us. I think we also need to recognise that we put significant resources into education in Alderney, and the benefit of that was partly lost [before this was passed] and now we have a situation hopefully were we can reap the fruits of what we are investing into these children's education."

Pictured: Sark and Alderney.