People born outside of Jersey will now gain permanent entitled status after living in the island continuously for 25 years instead of 30 years, after politicians voted to approve an amendment lodged by an Assistant Chief Minister.

The States Assembly today voted to approve Deputy Carina Alves’ amendment with 41 votes for, no votes against, and three abstentions.

As a result, the period of time required to achieve permanent entitled status will be reduced by five years.

Entitled residents can buy, sell or lease any property; can work anywhere; and don’t need permission to be employed.

Pictured: More information about qualifying for or losing your entitled status can be found on the Government’s website.

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.

In most cases, this does not become permanent until they have lived in Jersey continuously for 30 years – but, following the approval of Deputy Alves’ amendment, this will now reduce to 25 years.

In a report accompanying her proposition, Deputy Alves said the changes offer “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”.

She 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 will only apply to those who hold a British passport or who have a relevant immigration permission to live in Jersey.

All other routes to achieve permanent entitled status would remain the same.