IOD puts immigration on the agenda

Monday 14 July 2014

This year's IOD debate is to focus on the controversial subject of population growth. A panel of speakers will discuss how Jersey should manage immigration in order to have a successful economy, and be an attractive place to live in.

Entitled ‘Should Jersey Relax Its Immigration Policy?’, the event, sponsored by law firm Carey Olsen, will take place on 25th September at the RJA&HS.

The panel includes Mark Boléat (Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, City of London Corporation), Geoff Cook (CEO, Jersey Finance), Kristina Le Feuvre (Owner, aMaizin! Adventure Park and Vice President, Chamber of Commerce) and Senator Paul Routier MBE (Assistant Chief Minister). A keynote speaker will also help set the scene with a look at how other jurisdictions manage their population policy.

 As well as exploring the needs of local businesses in all sectors, the panellists will also look at the challenges in managing population levels with reference to practicalities such as legislative change, economic policy, pensions, tax revenue, health services and education.

 The event will once again be moderated by news broadcaster Alastair Stewart OBE.

 Commenting on the topic for this year’s Debate, IoD Jersey Chairman Wendy Dorman, said:

 "The importance of striking a balance between meeting the increasingly sophisticated needs of businesses whilst at the same time retaining the quality of life that makes Jersey so special will be absolutely key in the run up to the elections in October. That’s why our debate this year focuses on this very issue, which is inherently complex, affects all of us, and involves some fundamental questions about our island and how we live and work here. Our line-up of speakers features a broad range of experience and I expect it to be another lively debate of real significance for Jersey’s future.”

 Alex Ohlsson, Managing Partner of sponsor Carey Olsen, added:

 “Jersey has real ambitions to cement its position as a leading international finance centre, grow its tourism industry, diversify into new areas and attract new businesses here, so having clarity about the extent to which Jersey is truly open for business is absolutely vital. There needs to be a serious debate about whether Jersey’s population policy appropriately balances these objectives with maintaining or even improving the quality of life for which Jersey is so well known. Hearing the views of islanders as well as being aware of population policies applied elsewhere will be hugely valuable to enable government to make informed decisions.”