Chief Minister Alf Cannan has confirmed that no negotiations have taken place with the UK Government regarding applicants for UK permanent residence spending time on the Isle of Man.
The matter was raised in Keys by Jason Moorhouse, who sought clarity on whether discussions had occurred about individuals with UK immigration status residing on the Island.
In response, Mr Cannan explained that “these matters are provided for in schedule four to the Immigration Act 1971 as that act has effect in the United Kingdom and as it has been extended to the Island by order in Council”.
He added: “There has not been, and there is no need for, any discussion or negotiations with the UK at the current time.”
Mr Moorhouse followed up, referencing past debates on Syrian and Ukrainian arrivals, asking whether groups could be accepted without full Tynwald scrutiny.
The Chief Minister clarified that while immigration functions rest with the Treasury Minister, any collective decision by the Council of Ministers would follow due process, including potential scrutiny under the negative resolution procedure.
When pressed on accommodation for such applicants, Mr Cannan noted that the island’s inclusion in the Common Travel Area means authorities would not automatically know if a UK visa holder had arrived.
He reiterated: “We have not had negotiations or discussions with the UK Government about any of these matters.”
The Chief Minister advised Mr Moorhouse to raise specific case concerns directly with ministers, stressing that all policies remain governed by existing law.
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