A new set of regulations takes effect in the Isle of Man today which introduces a “register of exempt persons”, as the island moves to simplify and update its work permit system.
The changes taking effect today represent the second part of a package of reforms that were approved by Tynwald, the Isle of Man’s parliament, in October. Four of the proposals were implemented last year, including the introduction of simplified fees for longer term permits, as well as an automatic one-year permit for cohabiting partners of Isle of Man workers, work permit holders and exempt persons, upon application.
The three that take effect today, had been reliant on the development of new IT systems, thus the delay, the government said in a statement.
The changes are designed to “simplify the application process by moving to an employer-only application process, simplify the matters that the Department [for Enterprise] needs to take into consideration, and introduce a new register of exempt persons”, the statement added.
A third set of updates to the IoM’s work permit system is set to come into force in April, with the launch of what the government said will be “an improved online employer portal, to give access to all employer activity in one place” which it said should further simplify the hiring process “as well as making the whole end-to-end process fully transparent to the employer”.
Tim Crookall, a member of Tynwald’s Legislative Council with responsibility for work permits, said the reforms to the IoM’s work permit applications system would simplify and speed up the process “as well as giving [the] government a better measure of the movement of exempt persons to and from the island”.
“This is positive news for the Isle of Man, as we work to reduce barriers for people looking to work in our key sectors, boost employment and give our employers access to the skilled people they need to succeed,” he added.
More information on the IoM’s work permit system may be found on the IoM government’s website by clicking here.
