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22nd January 2021 Response to the Migration and Population Review Panel
Re. The review of the Migration Control Policy (phase 1). Foreword
I am the CEO of Citizens Advice Jersey, a position that I have held for the last 10 years.
We are pleased to respond to this Scrutiny review of the Migration Control Policy. During the course of our work, we see the problems associated with housing and work issues and the provision of forward-looking regulation in this area is pivotal to public confidence and sustainable market governance.
Housing and Employment issues constituted a significant number of our caseload and in 2020 we recorded 2,134 client contacts that fell into the Housing category and 1,079 client contacts that fell into the Employment category.
In relation to the specific areas highlighted by the Scrutiny Panel in a letter from Senator Steve Pallet dated 21st January, 2021;
Whether you agree with the rationale underpinning the proposed amendments to the Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law 2012;
I believe that the existing controls are clearly not having the desired effect and it is without doubt that a new mechanism needs to be considered as an inward migration baseline of 600/700 is too high.
Whether you believe the proposed amendments are fair and equitable;
I believe that any system needs to be reactive to the ever-changing employment market and not become overly bureaucratic or stifling to growth. Balancing competing needs, of course, is always going to be a
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challenge but improving the skills of our existing workforce needs to be front and centre to achieving this balance and providing solutions to the ongoing challenges that we face.
Whether you believe that the proposed amendments will succeed in structuring migration in Jersey against clear strategic priorities;
The benefits are that it is probably the best way to monitor inward migration and achieve the aims associated with this policy. Additionally, the upper bands will provide surety for businesses who need to have that level of permanent staff who need to have a longer-term future in the Island. The drawbacks are that business may continually be in a position where they are training staff and equally staff who are aware that their permission period is coming to an end are unlikely to remain right up until the expiry date as they would need to seek opportunities elsewhere, this would create an additional challenge for businesses.
Whether you agree with these priorities;
Broadly, I do agree with the policies provided that in order to preserve the sanctity of the right to a family life, the ability for partners and children to accompany a new migrant is built in as an automatic feature.
What key concerns you may have regarding the proposed amendments;
As a future system needs to be able to change to circumstances and to mitigate unintended or unforeseen impacts, my concern is that any amendments need to be continually reviewed and if necessary, have the flexibility to be tweaked.
Malcolm Ferey
Chief Executive
Citizens Advice Jersey
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Email malcolm@cab.org.je Web www.cab.org.je
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