Economy vs Environment - population policy edges nearer

Wednesday 06 September 2017

Jersey's population policy is set to move a step closer this week, with a ministerial summit planned to get the long-awaited document finally agreed.

It is understood by Express that the draft policy has not had an easy ride in getting the approval of the various States Departments.

The policy has suffered several false starts including the Chief Minister assuring the Chamber that it would be lodged imminently on more than one occasion.

The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, has made several references to a population policy being finalised in the States Chamber.

During a States sitting in May of this year, Senator Gorst said that he would set out to lodge a population policy before the States adjourned for summer.

Pictured: Ministers meet on Friday to discuss the long-awaited population policy.

Responding to a question from Deputy Judy Martin, Senator Gorst said: “I would like to have a debate in this Assembly on these issues in July. Realistically, of course, factoring in Scrutiny, it may not be until after summer. I will, however, undertake to lodge a population policy prior to the summer recess.”

Senator Gorst faced more grilling from his fellow States Members when he was facing a vote of no confidence in June. In his speech, the Chief Minister assured the Chamber that a population policy was in progress: “There is a population policy, day-in and day-out, week-in, week-out Ministers and Assistant Ministers are making decisions. Sometimes, they get criticised on the front page of the paper for doing so. Any Member that wants to come along and watch them delivering a population policy is extremely welcome…”

Pictured: Statistics Unit report on Jersey's resident population 2001-2016.

The Population Office issued a press release at the beginning of August which referred to “a draft Population Policy… being finalised which will continue to enhance migration controls.” This release also said that “the policy explores the selective use of work permits, criminal record checks for all new migrants, and photographs on new registration cards,” as well as indicating that “the States Assembly is due to debate the policy in the autumn.”

Pictured: In a press release, the Population Office said it was looking at introducing work permits, criminal record checks and photographic registration cards to control levels of migration.

When asked for an update on the policy the Population Office told Express: “The draft migration policy is due to be considered by Ministers later this week. It builds on the work already begun to enhance and strengthen migration controls, while recognising that more still needs to be done in light of the continued uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

“The draft policy aims to balance sustainable migration that supports Jersey’s economy with the need to protect the island’s unique environment and deliver sufficient quality housing. It will be lodged with the States Assembly for debate later in the autumn.”