Immigration Fees: Increase with effect from 1 June 2015: Law drafting instructions

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

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The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 7 May 2015:

Decision Reference: MD-HA-2015-0029
Decision Summary Title :	Immigration fee increase		Date of Decision Summary:	7 April 2015
Decision Summary Author:	Director – Legal Status and Revenue Jersey Customs and Immigration Service		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	Immigration fee increases		Date of Written Report:	7 April 2015
Written Report Author:	Director – Legal Status and Revenue Jersey Customs and Immigration Service		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Increase in the level of immigration fees charged in Jersey to current UK levels with effect from 1 June 2015.
Decision(s): The Assistant Minister decided to increase the Island’s immigration fees from 1 June 2015 so as to align them with those payable in the UK.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Treasurer of the States has previously given approval (Ref: TR-2011-DD92) to align immigration fees in Jersey with those in the UK. The UK increased its fees from 6 April 2015. It is proposed to increase the Island’s fees from 1 June 2015 so as to align them with the UK.
Resource Implications: The fee increases will generate additional income to be used to offset the costs of the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service.
Action required: The Director, Legal Status and Revenue, Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, to request the Law Draftsman to prepare the necessary draft Order to increase immigration fees from 1 June 2015.
Signature:		Position: Assistant Minister for Home Affairs
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):