A Freedom of Information response has confirmed that government does not know how much social security support is paid to people living on the island on migrant visas.
Treasury was asked to provide the total amount of benefits paid to migrants on any form of visa between 2021 and 2025, along with the number of individuals receiving support.
After searching its records, the department said it does not hold benefit payment data categorised by visa type.
In its response, Treasury applied a practical refusal under section 11(3)(a) of the Act, stating that “Treasury does not hold benefit payment data categorised by visa status.”
It also confirmed that visa status is not relevant when assessing cases under harsh and oppressive criteria.
The department said it could not supply the requested figures because the information simply does not exist within its systems.
