A new interim Border Division has been set up within Treasury as government begins the first phase of creating a dedicated Border Agency to strengthen border security and immigration controls.
The Division, effective from today, will take on enhanced enforcement activity, build a new management structure and lead planning for the future Agency.
Treasury Minister Chris Thomas MHK said the new Division is “an important step towards delivering a more modern, resilient and effective approach to border security,” adding that it “demonstrates the Government’s commitment to protecting our communities, safeguarding the integrity of our immigration system and ensuring the island remains a safe place to live, work and do business.”
Treasury was chosen to host it because immigration already sits under its ministerial responsibility, giving what the Chief Minister described in Tynwald as “a clear legal and operational basis” to move quickly.
The move follows concerns raised through 2024 and 2025 about abuse of immigration routes, labour exploitation, illegal migration and organised criminal groups.
Border Division
Customs and Immigration has already increased its presence at ports and created an immigration compliance team, which grew from one officer in September 2025 to four by year‑end.
A Head of Border Division has now been appointed on a limited‑term basis, supported by a Deputy Head (law enforcement) and a project lead, with oversight from a multi‑departmental steering board.
Around £1.2 million has been allocated for 2026-27, part of a full‑year cost of £1.44 million.
Seventeen new posts have been approved, including Border Enforcement Officers, Investigation Officers, a Special Branch Detective Constable, telecoms specialist, police trainer, case progression officer, intelligence assessor and data analyst.
Success will be measured through enforcement activity, immigration compliance outcomes, intelligence development and sharing, case progression, operational responsiveness and partnership working. Existing measures will be strengthened and new ones added where responsibilities expand.
The Chief Minister said the aim is to ensure the Island remains “both open and secure” while responding to evolving risks.
