CHANGES to the immigration requirements last month saw the introduction of the point based system (PBS) for the Isle of Man.
This will have an impact on businesses - whether existing or setting up in the Island - advises Tom Nicol, principal consultant with Isle of Man based international management consulting firm People Dimensions.
Mr Nicol said: "The changes concern the employment of people from outside the European Economic Area.
"This is often the case for a global business or new business which wants to bring in its experienced managers who will be able to train and develop the skills and provide job opportunities for Manx workers in the new business.
"In many ways the new system will simplify and ensure consistency in the procedures to be followed but it will mean that employers will have greater responsibility and accountability for their migrant staff.
"An employer wishing to employ staff from outside the EEA must now apply for a Sponsors Licence in advance to enable them bring people to the Isle of Man.
"There are five tiers in the system; tier one is already in existence for highly skilled workers. The new tier two is the one which is most likely to affect businesses generally as this will apply to skilled workers. The other tiers concern students, performers and low skilled workers (the latter is currently suspended).
"'Points' are scored against a number of criteria relating to sponsorship, qualifications and prospective earnings and a minimum number of points must be scored to allow entry.
"The expanding e-gaming sector is one area which may need to pay particular attention to these requirements. These businesses, whether new or established, often need to bring people with specialised skills and knowledge to the Island to develop and implement their product and train and develop Manx workers.
"Together, with contracts of employment and compliance with employment legislation and recruitment, this is another aspect of successfully setting up business on the Island that cannot be ignored."
