Calls for identification permit cards to be introduced

Manx residents were stopped at two airports

A Manx resident is calling for the Isle of Man to issue identification cards after his wife was detained at two airports while travelling back to the Island.

Douglas councillor Frank Schuengel, and his wife Myka, were travelling from the Philippines when she experienced issues despite having proof of her leave to remain.

He’s told Manx Radio the authorities did not want to accept a letter which proved her residency.

Myka was made to sign a document stating that she could be arrested, or her passport could be taken, if she could not prove her residency.

Mr Schuengel is now calling for government to provide identification cards to avoid incidents like this happening to others:

The Isle of Man Immigration Service says it can't comment on individual travel or residency statuses but has advised anyone who’s experienced issues to contact it.

In a statement provided to Manx Radio it added:

"The Isle of Man Immigration service does not issue the same documentation as the UK but, Under schedule 4 of the Immigration Act 1971, any residency permissions granted in the Isle of Man (or other crown dependencies) will be as if permission had been given by the UK – regardless of the format.

"We do not issue any biometric residence permits or cards.  In alignment with the UK each Crown Dependency operates their own EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). However, unlike the UK, the Crown Dependencies issue a letter confirming the individual’s EUSS status.

"Physical documents, like biometric residence cards will be slowly phased out as the UK moves towards a fully digital immigration system.  

"The Islands immigration laws and policy are closely linked with the UK to ensure that most journeys within the Common Travel Area remain free from routine immigration controls.

"As the UK service changes to digital options we will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the UK and other Crown Dependencies to ensure that we align so our documents continue to be recognised on the global stage and when crossing the UK border.

"Isle of Man Immigration would like reassure document holders that permissions granted in the Isle of Man should be accepted without issue by UK Border Force officials, regardless of the format."