Government seeks to tighten Port Security

The Isle of Man Government is developing measures to tackle threats to the Island’s safety and security coming through vulnerable entry points.

Immediate changes will see the Passport, Immigration and Nationality function moving from Cabinet Office to the Treasury.

The Government say this will allow the Immigration and Customs teams to work even more closely, for more effective joint enforcement.

Council of Ministers has also agreed in principle to review the Ports policing functions of the Department of Infrastructure (DOI).

Security and Ports

Officers are also developing options to improve active controls at sea ports, a more consistent approach to private aircraft route and passenger information logging, and the monitoring of wider parcel and courier services to deter the importation of drugs and other illegal items.

Other enhancements currently under consideration include the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) at ports, better sharing of sea passenger manifest data with law enforcement agencies, and updated x-ray scanning equipment for parcels.

Review of Migrant Route

Following recent investigations into organised immigration crime, the Government is also working on the extension of the UK Modern Slavery Act to the Isle of Man, and undertaking a review of the Immigration Worker (Seasonal) Migrant Route. 

The Government says “this work will help move towards the vision as set out in the Island Plan, of a secure, vibrant and sustainable Island”.