20 November 2015
Figures showing the number of applications for registered and licenced staff, and how many were granted or refused by the Population Office, are being published. The figures will be published every quarter on this website.
Businesses are reminded that applications are not required for entitled and entitled for work only employees.
This coincides with publication of new guidance notes outlining how decisions on individual applications are made to support the policies of the States Assembly.
The highest number of permissions granted were in the finance and construction industries, and the highest number of refusals were in the hospitality sector. Although permissions were granted in all sectors having considered the benefits to Jersey of individual applications.
Targeted migration
This is in line with the States’ policy of optimising economic growth by targeting migration which generates the most social and economic value. This means focusing on getting more value from our economy, getting entitled people back into work, and increasing the productivity of established businesses across all sectors. This approach is clearly outlined in the States Strategic Plan. Jersey’s economy must become more productive if it is to fund essential public services as our society ages.
At the same time, the new guidance notes outlines support for seasonal permissions, in particular for the hospitality industry. This is because these workers do not add to the permanent resident population.
The new guidance notes also outlines a commitment to improve the time it takes to process an application - from a standard of 15 working days to ten working days, with an aspiration to further improve this target. Figures will be published in the new year showing how the Population Office is performing against these targets.
Economic growth
This decision to publish figures, improve processing time, and to provide more guidance is also in line with the recommendations made by the Innovation Review which was carried out to help optimise Jersey’s economic growth.
The Assistant Chief Minister, Senator Paul Routier MBE said "We want targeted migration which supports our economy and creates jobs for Islanders, generating more wealth proportionate to our size, protecting our environment, and ensuring we can continue to fund good quality public services as our society ages.
"This means supporting innovation and increasing productivity for all industries as part of a thriving economy. We must get this right, increasing the living standards of all Islanders, and demonstrating our commitment to sustainable economic growth."
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