Scrutiny concerned with Work Permit Policy compliance challenges
8th June 2023
The Work Permit Holder Welfare Review Panel ('the Review Panel') held a Public Hearing yesterday with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Deputy Helen Miles.
The Panel was set up to examine whether the Jersey Work Permit Policy ('the policy') is effective in protecting the welfare of work permit holders in Jersey and shielding them from 'modern day slavery'. During the hearing, the Panel questioned the Minister on the challenges of meeting the policy's objectives. The Minister outlined the key role work permit holders play in Jersey's economy, but advised that work needs to be done to update the policy for Jersey's current climate. The Minister pointed to challenges around the administration of work permits due to an 800 percent increase in work permits over the previous year.
The Panel was concerned about how Jersey Customs and Immigration ensured compliance with the Work Permit Policy. The Minister said that Jersey Customs and Immigration are 'transitioning from reactive to proactive' in this area, with the recruitment of additional Jersey Customs and Immigration Officers.
The Panel also voiced concerns about the 12-month restriction placed on work permit holders by the policy, which prevents work permit holders from switching jobs. The Minister said she will be reviewing this part of the policy, as well as the rules forbidding work permit holders from taking up supplementary employment without the consent of their primary employer.
The Panel heard that Jersey Customs and Immigration deal with suspected Modern-Day Slavery on a 'case by case' basis, and that the Minister would consider Modern Day Slavery legislation for Jersey. Also related to this issue, the Minister shared the Panel's concerns about the significant costs incurred by some work permit holders arriving in Jersey, and said her department is looking for solutions.
Chair of the Panel, Deputy Beatriz Porée, commented: 'It's encouraging to see that the Minister is taking the concerns raised by the Panel very seriously, however there is still a lot of work to be done. Jersey relies heavily on the contributions of work permit holders, so we need to work to make sure that the Work Permit Policy fulfils its objectives in protecting the welfare of work permit holders.'
Back to news
