Changes have been introduced to extend the duration and conditions for certain Worker Migrants in response to the Isle of Man’s Proclamation of Emergency. The changes will allow those who hold a Worker Migrant visa and their dependents to receive extended entry clearance, and provide for greater flexibility for both employers and employees in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Worker Migrant visas which were due to expire before 15th May 2020 will be automatically extended for six months from the date of their visa’s expiration date. For Worker Migrants who remain employed by their existing employer, restrictions on the type of work or hours permitted for that employment have been removed, until 16th November 2020.
The amendments also remove restrictions on employment for existing Worker Migrants so that a Confirmation of Employment will, for a limited period, not be required and visa holders will not risk contravening their visa conditions.
For Isle of Man Worker Migrants in the Medical and Healthcare Sector, and their dependents, the duration of leave for those whose visa is due to expire before 31 December 2020 has been extended for one year, and restrictions on the type of work and hours permitted for that type of employment has been removed until 31st December 2021.
Foundation and Speciality doctors in possession of United Kingdom issued Tier 2 or Tier 4 Visas must continue to contact the Immigration Service before or upon arrival in the of Man.
The changes come following amendments made by the Chief Minister to the Immigration (Variation of Leave) (No.2) Order 2020 on Monday 20th April 2020.
Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:
‘The Isle of Man’s Economy continues to adapt to the challenges that the global spread of COVID-19 presents, and these measures have been taken to best support both the Island’s migrant workforce – by providing assurance of duration of leave - and our employers, by offering flexibility within the Visa and Immigration services in light of this unprecedented situation.’
For further information on Immigration rules
Those with specific queries relating to immigration or Visa grants and extensions should contact: immigration@gov.im.
