The Chief Minister has told Tynwald that the government is taking steps to protect the island’s borders, following questions about potential loopholes in the UK’s assisted voluntary return (AVR) scheme for migrants.
Responding to concerns raised by Julie Edge, Alf Cannan said the Isle of Man has no involvement in the UK Government-operated scheme, which provides financial support to individuals without permission to be in the UK once they have returned to their home country.
Ms Edge highlighted potential vulnerabilities within the Common Travel Area (CTA), noting a “seven day window for an asylum seeker” and the opening of Irish routes this summer.
She questioned the progress of electronic travel authorisations, first raised in March 2024.
Controls
Mr Cannan acknowledged that there are “no routine immigration controls on travel within the Common Travel Area”.
However, he emphasised that the Isle of Man Immigration Service has “access to relevant UK immigration systems” and receives intelligence from partner agencies.
He confirmed that the government has “returned 13 individuals in recent years from the Isle of Man back to the UK” and is investing in security, including discussions with the Steam Packet on “how we might further enhance security” and knowledge of who is travelling.
Treasury Minister Chris Thomas, whose department oversees immigration, noted that work on electronic travel authorisations was “full speed ahead,” a statement with which the Chief Minister agreed.
Mr Cannan added: “If we become aware of anybody trying to enter the Isle of Man that should not be resident on this island, they will be returned to the United Kingdom. It’s as simple as that.”