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Home Affairs has decided against introducing a points-based immigration system, instead opting for a policy it says will better enable businesses to address workplace shortages.
The Committee has used its ability to vary some elements of the island’s immigration work permit policy from the UK’s once the Brexit transition period comes to an end.
The UK has recently announced details of its new points-based system, which will not be replicated in Guernsey. Home will instead combine the process of applying for an immigration work permit with the Population Management employment permit.
This means that, from 2021, EU/EEA nationals who enter the Bailiwick will be required to apply for an entry clearance visa via the UK online system, in addition to their employment permit application. These applications must be made before an individual arrives in the island, which also allows for necessary security checks to be carried out.
Pictured: British and Irish citizens and those EU/EEA nationals who have registered on the EU Settlement Scheme are exempt from these requirements.
This will result in a joint work permit being issued with a single fee for those seeking to work in Guernsey. This procedure will not be available to non-EU/EEA nationals, who will continue under the current process.
Home Affairs President Rob Prow said this deviation from the UK points-based immigration system will better enable the States of Guernsey to respond to workplace shortages in areas like hospitality.
"Our Committee’s decision to exercise our ability to not fully follow the UK’s immigration work permit policy, which was made following discussions with both the Policy & Resources Committee and the Committee for Economic Development, is a move that we consider essential to secure the best possible support for businesses and critical services in the island.
"Our Committee wants to ensure that businesses continue to be able to access new staff from the EU into the future. We have worked quickly since becoming aware just a couple of months ago that the UK was intending to introduce entry clearance visas for EU/EEA nationals.
Pictured: Home Affairs President Rob Prow.
"We know how much businesses in key sectors such as hospitality and care homes rely on staff from EU Member States. All EU/EEA nationals currently living in the island are able to register for our EU Settlement Scheme to secure their ability to remain after the transition phase with equal rights to live and work as a British citizen. I would urge any who have not yet enrolled to do so."
The entry clearance visa is a requirement of the Immigration Act, 1971, as extended to the Bailiwick and is applicable across the UK and all Crown Dependencies. British and Irish citizens and those EU/EEA nationals who have registered on the EU Settlement Scheme are exempt from this requirement.
Alderney, Sark and Herm are not currently covered under the Population Management regime and will be subject to a separate immigration work permit application process.
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