MAJOR changes are being made to the work permits system for Manx companies who wish to employ people from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
A points-based system is being introduced in line with the UK following proposals approved by Tynwald in April last year.
However, the new system will not apply to applications for work permits for people from within the EEA or Switzerland and these will continue to be dealt with under the Control of Employment Act.
The changes will only impact on employers who require skilled workers to fill roles where nobody suitable can be found in the Isle of Man or the EEA . Previously, these employers would have used the Overseas Labour Scheme (OLS) but in future they will use Tier 2 of tshe Manx PBS. Working closely with the Immigration service of the Chief Secretary’s Office, the Department of Economic Development will be responsible for administering Tiers 2 and 5 of the PBS.
A statement issued today (Thursday) said, “The new system emphasises the responsibility of employers, who will be required to register as sponsors with the Department and demonstrate that they meet certain criteria.
“Licensed sponsors will also need to advise the Department of the likely number of certificates of sponsorship they will need in each year and will be responsible for ensuring that the potential worker satisfies all necessary criteria prior to issuing the certificate.
“The potential skilled worker must achieve sufficient points to be eligible for a Certificate of Sponsorship and in order to obtain the necessary visa, or leave to remain if they are already in the Isle of Man in another capacity. Points are awarded for evidence of a lack of suitable local skilled workers, qualifications and the prospective earnings of the worker. In addition migrants must also meet points based criteria for having sufficient funds available to them and a proficiency in English language.”
Geoff Corkish MHK, political member for the Employment and Skills Group, said, “The introduction of the additional tiers of the points-based system will help to safeguard jobs and businesses in the Isle of Man by making sure that only those migrants that the economy really needs can come from outside of the EEA or Switzerland.
“The PBS reaffirms the position that the IOM immigration system for skilled workers is at least as robust as the system in the UK, and therefore protects the reputation of Manx employers. This is not all new, responsible employers already have strong personnel systems in place and as such already meet many of the requirements to become a sponsor.
“This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that employers and migrants conform with employment law and immigration legislation and ultimately it is about shielding and guarding the Isle of Man for the best reasons.”
Full and detailed guidance on the PBS is available on the Department of Economic Development’s website and employers are welcome to contact the Department’s Employment Services Manager, Nigel Walker on (01624) 682306 for further information.
The Department will be holding a series of employer forums to explain the new system in greater detail and to answer any questions employers may have. These forums will be held on the 3rd, 4th, 14th and 16th June at 12.30pm at the Training Centre, Hills Meadow, Douglas.
Any employers who want advice or guidance on checking and/or keeping documents can contact the Immigration service of the Chief Secretary’s Office on 685296.
Applications for the Overseas Labour Scheme will close on Friday 9th July. From this date all renewals and new applications will need to be made through the PBS, however, employers are reminded that renewal applications can be submitted up to 28 days in advance of expiry.
