£1.2m allocated for new Border Division on Island

Aiming to help strengthen border security

£1.2 million has been allocated to support the establishment of a new Border Division on the Isle of Man. 

It's in force from today (27 July) and follows Chief Minister Alfred Cannan's announcement in June that there are plans to create a Border Agency. 

Government says it will help strengthen border security, improve immigration control and protect the Island from criminal exploitation. 

You can find out more here.

Concerns

Mr Cannan says over the last two years concerns were raised regarding potential abuse of the Island's immigration system, labour exploitation, the welfare of some migrants and illegal immigration.

These concerns, he says, were reflected in a Cabinet Office-commissioned report.

In a response to a Tynwald question for written answer, from Rushen MHK Juan Watterson, Mr Cannan said: "The Customs and Immigration Division undertook a review of the risks and threats facing the Island's immigration system.

"This work led to an increased Customs and Immigration enforcement presence at our ports and the establishment of a dedicated immigration compliance team.

"The immigration compliance team was formed in September 2025 with one officer, this increased to four officers in total by the end of December 2025.

"The measures implemented to date have produced positive results, including port detentions, targeted operations undertaken alongside the constabulary and immigration compliance cases progressing through formal legal processes.

"Controls have been strengthened, procedures enhanced and a programme of continuous review established to ensure their ongoing effectiveness."

Since then there has been enhanced enforcement at the Island's ports as well as the establishment of an immigration compliance team.

Mr Cannan adds strengthening border controls delivers benefits beyond immigration enforcement; it enhances the Island's ability to combat the importation of prohibited substances and other illegal goods. 

Border Agency

Existing staff and resources from the Customs and Immigration Division will transfer into two separate divisions - the new Border Division and a Customs and Excise Division. 

The Border Agency will be delivered in two parts:

Phase One: Interim Border Division will sit in Treasury 

During this phase the interim Border Division will:

• Enhance border enforcement activity
• Establish an appropriate management structure
• Commence detailed planning for the Border Agency
• Define resource requirements
• Identify any necessary legislative changes
• Develop a comprehensive project plan for the establishment of a Border Agency for consideration by the Council of Ministers early in the New Year.

Phase Two: Border Agency

Performance measures are expected to include indicators relating to:

• Border enforcement activity
• Immigration compliance outcomes
• Intelligence development and sharing
• Case progression and resolution
• Operational responsiveness
• Partnership working across government and enforcement agencies

The programme includes the creation of 17 additional jobs, ranging from border enforcement officers and investigative officers to specialist intelligence, telecommunications and policing roles.

Commenting on the announcement Treasury Minister Chris Thomas said: "This is an important step towards delivering a more modern, resilient and effective approach to border security for the Isle of Man and eventually a Border Agency.

"The establishment of the Border Division demonstrates the Government’s commitment to protecting our communities, safeguarding the integrity of our immigration system and ensuring the Island remains a safe place to live, work and do business.

"I am particularly pleased that we are building on the excellent work already undertaken by Customs and Immigration staff.

"The new division will strengthen enforcement capabilities, improve cooperation across agencies and put us in a stronger position to respond to emerging risks, while ensuring the Isle of Man remains welcoming to those who legitimately wish to visit, work and contribute to our community."