Isle of Man Guide

LEGISLATION updating and tightening the Island’s immigration laws in line with changes in the United Kingdom will be laid before the April sitting of Tynwald.

The Immigration (Isle of Man) Order 2008 and related subordinate legislation extend to the Isle of Man further elements of UK immigration law. The extension of parts of the relevant UK Acts has previously been agreed by Tynwald.

The legislation includes new provisions against employers of illegal immigrants, simplifies administrative arrangements for removing illegal immigrants and introduces new measures to prevent ‘sham’ marriages undertaken purely for immigration purposes.

Also, responsibility for making detailed Immigration Rules is being transferred from the Lieutenant Governor to the Council of Ministers.

Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK explained:

‘It is important that the Isle of Man keeps up to date with its immigration law so that there are no loopholes that could be exploited to the detriment of the community.

‘The transfer of responsibility for the Immigration Rules from the Governor to the Council of Ministers is another step forward in the constitutional development of the Island, albeit that immigration is an area of legislation that has to be kept in line with the UK because of our position as part of the Common Travel Area.’

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