More than 4,300 entry‑clearance visas have been issued since September 2021, according to new figures released in a written Tynwald answer.
Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse asked Treasury Minister Chris Thomas for the number of people arriving on original visa applications, what work had been done to audit the economic impact of migration, and the current workload of the Island’s Immigration Team.
Minister Thomas said 4,362 visas had been issued in the period, noting this reflects the number of visas, not individuals, as some applicants may receive more than one. Visit visas are not included.
He said immigration, border and work‑permit costs are monitored through normal government budgeting processes, but no formal audit has been carried out to calculate the overall economic value or total cost of migratory movements. Such an assessment, he said, would require “significant data and modelling”.
For 2026–27, the budget for Passports, Immigration and Nationality is £2.1 million, with projected income of £1.9 million.
The Minister referenced the Council of Ministers’ 2025 update on inward migration, which highlighted the importance of attracting skilled workers to support the labour market and economic growth.
As of July 15, the Immigration Team had 367 live visa applications and 107 Confirmation of Employment applications awaiting consideration.
