Northern Ireland minister to visit Isle of Man for fishing talks

Follows concern from industry and commitment to find 'workable approach'

The Agriculture Minister for Northern Ireland is set to visit the Isle of Man next week for "crucial talks" with the Government.

It follows recent concerns from the fishing sector over rules determining who can, and who can't, work in Manx waters.

Andrew Muir's concerned the Island's immigration policy "risks undermining established fishing activity that has operated lawfully for many years".

Following recent reports, the Manx Government insisted there have been no recent changes to the Isle of Man’s visa or immigration requirements for foreign nationals working in the Island’s waters.

See HERE.

On these reports, The Treasury says: "References have been made to a ‘transit visa’ but this is absolutely not a visa and grants no permission to work. A Transit permission cannot be used for the purpose of work on the Isle of Man including IoM Waters.

"This is because the conditions of a transit permission are for people passing through the UK and Crown Dependencies to another country and therefore holders are not permitted to work. A holder of a UK Transit visa can pass through IoM Waters, but they are not able to work in IoM Waters.

"The position above has been in force since the UK introduced their Transit visa in 2014 and UK Skilled Worker visa in 2020.

"The Isle of Man’s independent work permit system under the Control of Employment Act also remains unchanged.

"While some occupations may be exempt from work permit requirements, all non‑CTA nationals must continue to comply with immigration rules, including the requirement to obtain entry clearance depending on their nationality and proposed employment.

"The Isle of Man Government encourages all vessel operators, employers, and recruitment partners to ensure full and ongoing compliance with existing legislation. The current frameworks governing work authorisation and immigration permissions remain in full effect.

"Mindful of the operational challenges this presents for parts of the fishing sector, including those vessels that have traditionally fished in Manx waters under longstanding arrangements, discussions between the Isle of Man Government and the relevant Northern Ireland authorities to support a clear and workable approach going forward, and one that provides certainty for vessel operators while upholding the respective legislative requirements are underway."

Mr Muir will travel to the Island on Wednesday (15 April) and says he wants to "explore practical solutions that avoid impact on Northern Ireland vessels".