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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 2nd JUNE 2009
Question
"Given that the Chief Minister is on record as stating to the Population and Migration Scrutiny Panel that in order to maintain the figure for net inward migration of 150 heads of household where large numbers are allowed in one sector (say, finance) then correspondingly fewer would be allowed in other sectors of the economy, will he state how this is compatible with his commitment in the Strategic Plan to a diverse economy?"
Answer
It has always been the case that the regulation of inward migration has needed to be balanced against the needs of the most productive economic sectors, such as finance, and those that provide greater diversity and wider opportunities, such as tourism, agriculture, and now, the newer fulfilment and service industries.
This management takes place, sensibly, over the medium and long term, and across economic cycles and long term demographic changes. By working to this longer horizon, rather than an annualised cap irrespective of economic conditions, the need for both growth and diversity can be managed.
Indeed, we have in the Migration Advisory Group and the Population Office the structures to regulate migration, and protect local housing and employment, on an ongoing and dynamic basis to achieve agreed objectives. These tools continue to be enhanced as the Migration Policy develops.
Notwithstanding this, both growth and diversity can also be achieved through productivity improvements across the workforce, and do not rely on inward migration alone.