The Manx Government is being urged to extend the visas of students affected by the sudden closure of the International Hotel School in Douglas.

Around 100 students were told they must leave the Island within 28 days after it closed due to financial difficulty.

It is likely to become a big problem for the hospitality industry, with much of the Island’s retail, catering and accommodation sectors relying on students to fill a range of positions.

Theo Fleurbaay, chairman of the Manx Hospitality Partnership, regrets its closure and says the government must arrange for visa extensions to avoid a major shortage of staff in the industry with the centenary TT on the horizon.