The Chief Minister has again rubbished rumours that illegal immigrants are being accommodated on the island pending asylum hearings.
This follows two previous statements to the same effect earlier this year.
In response to a Tynwald question from Speak Juan Watterson, Alf Cannan said: “I was aware of a rumour a number of months ago claiming that illegal immigrants were being accommodated in hotels on the island, pending asylum hearings.
“I sought to have this matter investigated. I can confirm that these allegations were unsubstantiated.”
Process
Mr Cannan also reiterated an official government statement from April 2025, which highlighted that the island has its own Immigration Rules and due to its relationship with the UK, “cannot process asylum applications, nor can it house those who are in the UK awaiting a decision on their refugee status”.
The statement confirmed the government was “aware that at least one approach has been made by a UK contracting firm looking for availability for these types of services.
“They were duly informed of the rules outlined above, and that the Isle of Man should be removed from any of their contact lists.”