Ashford: Lack of control around immigration services like 'the wild west'

Treasury Minister admits it's a 'serious issue' which is being considered

An MHK has likened a lack of regulation around people offering immigration advisory services on the Isle of Man to the ‘wild west’.

David Ashford highlighted the issue in the House of Keys this week saying there is currently a ‘serious gap’ which allows unqualified people to operate.  

In the United Kingdom it is a criminal offence to provide immigration advice or services unless the organisation is regulated; the Isle of Man does not have the same legislation.

In response Treasury Minister Alex Allinson acknowledged it was a ‘serious issue’ adding it’s being considered as part of an ongoing consultation being run by the Department for Enterprise.

The Employment Status and Rights for Agency Workers consultation will close on 29 November.

However the minister said any regulation imposed here would need to be appropriate and government would have to be in a position to effectively enforce it: