The Treasury Minister confirmed there have been no discussions with the UK on preserving the island’s five year Indefinite Leave to Remain pathway
Answering questions in today’s House of Keys, Chris Thomas MHK said the island is still waiting for the UK to decide whether its proposed ILR reforms, first outlined in a 2025 white paper, will proceed.
Minister Thomas said: “No specific discussions have taken place with the Home Office about creating a separate settlement pathway to retain the current five year settlement pathway for migrants resident in the island, should the UK introduce changes to indefinite leave to remain.
“Once we have clarity, we will assess the implications and make representations for the island.”
Goal Posts Shifting
Members raised concerns about residents who moved here expecting settlement after five years, with Dr Alex Allinson MHK warning that people already three or four years into their residency were worried about “goal posts” shifting.
Joney Faragher MHK added that those who moved to the island under the current rules should not face retrospective changes to their settlement expectations.
In response, Minister Thomas said he agreed that “retrospective application of law is very unusual and is not a good thing”.
The Treasury Minister also committed to assessing the potential workforce and economic impact of any UK changes once details are confirmed.
