Population 'not growing as quickly as we'd like' but Island is attracting younger workers

The cabinet office minister will present a report on inward migration to Tynwald

The cabinet office minister admits the Island's population isn't growing as quickly as government would like.

However, David Ashford insists the latest data shows more people in their 30s and 40s are now coming to the Island.

A report on inward migration, due to be debated at this month's Tynwald sitting, shows the Island's population is estimated to have stood at 84,523 at the end of last year - an increase of 454 compared to the 2021 census.

It also reports that 5,694 people have moved to the Island since the last census, with 4,419 leaving.

In the 2024-25 financial year, 1,071 entry clearance visas were issued, the majority of which were granted to individuals under the age of 50.

The 31-40 age group represented the highest total, with 305 visas, with under 15s the next highest at 253.

The total number of visas issued was 2,652, up from 1,778 the year before.

In Tynwald, Mr Ashford will be asking the court to recognise the need to continue to pursue appropriate inward migration measures to attract workers to the Island.

This will include asking government to prioritise Manx workers, respond to the needs of employers where skills cannot be found on Island and maintaining the security of the Island by minimising abuse of the system.

Mr Ashford has been discussing the issue with Manx Radio's Political Correspondent Phil Gawne: