EHRC Review and Recommendations of the New Immigration Policy

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has reviewed this legislation and have submitted their views as part of the consultation process.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission welcomes and supports the stated aims of:

• Increased economic growth 
• Filling job vacancies in jobs where there is a local skill shortage and in particular
  • nurses, doctors, teachers
  • entrepreneurs 
• Working age migrants providing net benefit to government budget
• Solution to aging population 
• Greater cultural diversity 

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is concerned about the affects this policy may have, if not properly managed. Potentially they could cause:

• A fall in real wages especially for low skilled workers if migrant workers cost less than local ones.
• Increased pressure on public services such as health, education 
• Increases in the cost of housing and rent due to limited supply.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission recommends:

• Not progressing with the proposed Fast Track Residency scheme
• Counting time in a relationship rather than time on island for partners of St Helenians to apply for St Helenian status.