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Work permit system will dictate migrant workers' access to Island

Migrant workers from Bulgaria and Romania will be free to take jobs in the Isle of Man from today (1st Jan), if they qualify for a work permit.

The dropping of restrictions on their movement has raised fears of an influx of new migrants to the UK. 

There are no barriers to come down in the Isle of Man, which is not a member of the European Union.

Under the Island's Protocol 3 relationship with the EU, Bulgarians and Romanians have had the right to come here since their countries joined the EU.

Numbers are restricted by the work permit system and limited access to welfare benefits.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin says it's not a residency control - but a practical system to identify those willing and able to work:

 

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