Isle of Man Government is pleased to announce the launch of a new online service for making work permit applications. Employers will now find it easier to make work permit applications and will be able to track applications online throughout the process.
The Department of Economic Development, supported by Government Technology Services (GTS), has launched the service as part of Government’s commitment to make it easier for local businesses and residents to interact with Government, in alignment with Government’s Digital Strategy.
The new service was developed following engagement with the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce and is an important step in providing expanded digital services for Government’s business customers.
Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Economic Development, commented:
‘This is a great example of how Government is using technology to improve services and reduce costs to both taxpayers and our service users. For employers that regularly apply for work permits, the new service will save a great deal of time and be a much simpler process.
‘In addition, local businesses told us they need us to communicate the status of applications much more effectively and with the new service, employers can track this online from the moment of submission.
‘Businesses also asked for more user friendly information and we have delivered this through new plain English web content and a step by step online guide. As with all new services though, we know there will be things we can and should improve, so I would encourage our service users to give us feedback and let us know about their experience of the service.
‘The Department has an ambitious programme of improvements for 2016 as part of the Digital Strategy that will help us deliver similar improvements to many of our services, supporting our efforts to grow the economy and balance Government’s budget.’
Chief Executive of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Jane Dellar added:
‘Chamber is always keen to use its extensive membership to provide feedback to Government and we were particularly pleased to be asked to be involved in the development of this digital system at an early stage. It’s a great example of effective engagement by the Department.
‘Our Employment and Training Committee were able to gather ideas from across a range of sectors and help shape the system which will now improve our members’ interaction with Government in such an important area and help all Isle of Man employers to get the right candidates into employment quickly and efficiently.’
The new online application service follows the changes to the work permit system that became effective from October 1. These were introduced to reduce bureaucracy and make the Island more attractive to those interested in setting up new businesses and creating new jobs. Further improvements to online business services will be delivered as part of Government’s Digital Strategy.
Further information on work permits, including a new guide and new online application form can be found on the Department’s website at
/categories/working-in-the-isle-of-man/work-permits/
