2018 immigration changes 'stripped away safeguards', says advocate

Changes made to skilled worker route criticised at public meeting

An advocate specialising in immigration says changes to the Island's policy in 2018 'stripped away' safeguards for those moving here.

Maria Bridson has been discussing the challenges of the Manx immigration system at a public meeting organised by the Positive Action Group.

Eight years ago, a series of reforms were made to the Tier 2 skilled worker immigration route, intended to simplify the process for employers looking to bring workers over.

See HERE.

But Mrs Bridson says it also created some worrying difficulties:

Inward migration is important to address local skills shortages and to support the delivery of public services, complementing everything that is done locally to help people stay or return to the Island. 

The Inward Migration Incentives & Disincentives Report, brought to July Tynwald 2025, highlighted an increase in the number of people arriving in the Island and considered the potential impacts this may have.

Significant progress has been made in regards to strengthening immigration, including increased compliance through the enforcement team and enhanced controls at ports. Further work is ongoing to consider additional tightening across immigration routes, with more information to be announced in the coming months. 

In addition, the report also highlights initiatives being progressed to help mitigate pressures placed on public services, including the introduction of an immigration healthcare surcharge which was approved by Tynwald in July 2025, and annual assessments by DESC to determine appropriate staffing requirements across schools, ensuring staff needed for students with additional requirements.

The Treasury Minister told Manx Radio: “Maria Bridson’s analysis at the PAG meeting was penetrating. I am glad Government has acknowledged the problems that have arisen in the past few years and is working to strengthen and modernise the immigration system.”