People born outside of Jersey could gain permanent entitled status after living continuously in the island for 25 years instead of 30 years, if politicians approve an amendment lodged by an Assistant Chief Minister.
Deputy Carina Alves has lodged an amendment to her own proposition which seeks to reduce the period of time required to achieve permanent entitled status.
Entitled residents can buy, sell or lease any property; can work anywhere; and don’t need permission to be employed.
Those born in Jersey gain entitled status after living in the island for a combined period of 10 years. Once this status is gained, it is permanent.
Those born outside of Jersey gain entitled status after living in the island for a continuous period of 10 years – but, in most cases, this does not become permanent until they have lived in Jersey continuously for 30 years.
This would reduce to 25 years, if Deputy Alves’ amendment is approved.
She said that the proposed change “provides an opportunity to recognise the significant period of time spent contributing to the Jersey community by a person, not born in Jersey, who has been continuously and ordinarily resident in Jersey for a period of 25 years”.
Deputy Alves explained: “Following Brexit and Covid it is important to ensure that Jersey can continue to attract the skills and labour for our economy and society, and that workers, and their families, are treated and rewarded fairly.
“I believe this strikes the right balance of maintaining sufficient migration controls, whilst rewarding individuals that have contributed substantial periods of their life to our community and economy with the freedom to return to Jersey as they wish to do so.”
The change would only apply to those who hold a British passport or who have a relevant immigration permission to live in Jersey, she added.
All other routes to achieve permanent entitled status would remain the same.
You can read the full proposals online.