Scrutiny encouraged by progress on Work Permit Policy
Scrutiny
17 October 2025
The Children, Education and Home Affairs (CEHA) scrutiny panel is encouraged by the work the government has undertaken in implementing the Work Permit Policy. During a Public Hearing yesterday afternoon, the Panel heard from three Ministers – the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, the Minister for Social Security, and the Minister for the Environment - about the progress on the policy, as well as the measures being implemented to protect the rights of migrant workers in the Island.During the Hearing, the Panel learnt that there has been a significant increase in the number of applications through the Work Permit Policy. From 2019 – 2024, the number of temporary work permits issued increased by 3528%, up to 2432, and the number of skilled permits by nearly 170% during the same period, up to 748. The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs attributed this rise to a variety of factors, including Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as shifting trends in the Island’s economy.
Given the significant increase in numbers, the Panel questioned Ministers on the various mechanisms and policies in place to help protect and support new arrivals to the Island. Ministers confirmed that the Work Permit Policy has measures in place to protect the wellbeing of workers and avoid exploitation. Jersey Customs and Immigration review all employee contracts, which must pay 40 hours per week and cannot constitute a “zero hour” contract. Other initiatives such as ensuring workers have all the information they need prior to their arrival into the Island, as well as how workers can raise complaints or concerns – such as through JACS or the ICC - was welcomed by the Panel.
The Chair of the Panel, Deputy Catherine Curtis, said:
“I would like to thank Ministers and officers for their time yesterday afternoon. It was a constructive and informative Hearing that helped to provide some reassurance to the Panel, and to Islanders, that those arriving in our Island are being supported properly.
“Firstly, it is welcome to hear that a Migrant Safeguarding Board has been established under the Building a Safer Community Framework. Ministers confirmed this Board will bring together all key stakeholders to focus on wider migrant wellbeing in the Island.
“Additionally, it is encouraging to know that the development of the International Cultural Centre is progressing well. Knowledge about the centre – and the support it offers – is circulating amongst newer members of our community. The production of easy-to-understand arrival documents in multiple languages – provided to employers and prospective employees – that outlines their rights and the support available to them, is a welcome step.
“Ministers also explained that Customs and Immigration Officers have received additional training and expanded their knowledge and understanding of what breaches may constitute modern-day slavery. The government is working towards better oversight on property inspections, working closely with the Jersey Landlords Association and developing a toolbox and detailed property guidance to ensure standards are being met. The Minister for the Environment reassured the Panel that an independent regulator would not be required to undertake property inspections, and that he has full confidence in his highly trained and experienced team to complete this task.
“Whilst this is all encouraging, the Panel does have some concerns that we hope the government will seek to address.
“It appears that the government is not holding a record of those employers, and associated accommodations, that have been flagged or not met standards. Nor is there a record of who has had a complaint lodged against them, or how many grievances may have been made. The Panel would encourage Ministers to reconsider this approach where possible, to ensure that any malicious or complacent employers are held accountable. The Panel has requested sight of the guidance on multiple occupancy residences, of which the Minister for the Environment has confirmed he will provide.
“The panel is also concerned that due to a stated lack of resources, the government does not have the ability to check that all accommodation is up to standard, nor that job contracts are being carried through properly. The panel urges anyone with concerns to come forward and complain.
“Overall, however, we are pleased with the work that the government has undertaken in this area. Ensuring that migrant workers are treated fairly and within the Law, as well as holding employers and accommodation standards to account, is a crucial area of work that must be approached seriously for the future prosperity of our Island”.
