A relaxation of work permit legislation comes into force today.

Under the new rules, nurses, social workers and employees in work deemed to be in the national interest will be exempt, while the process of applying for a work permit has been streamlined.

The reforms are aimed at reducing bureaucracy and encouraging new business to the Isle of Man.

Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly said: 'The department’s aim is to balance the interests of Isle of Man workers, who continue to be protected by the new Act, with the need of employers to attract the skilled workers they require and so enable the long term economic development of the Isle of Man.

'As the Chief Minister highlighted in his Agenda for Change speech in July’s Tynwald we need to develop an ‘Enterprise Isle’ where businesses find the right environment to flourish and Government is responsive to their needs.

'As part of this strategy, we need to give a much greater degree of certainty to local employers and prospective skilled workers who want to move here to take up employment.'


Got a story? Contact Joanne on 340000 or email newsdesk@manx.net

twitter @jonewsiom