Independent review to look into Jersey work permit system

Monday, 30 March 2026 16:44

Politicians have said the current work permit system exploits the 'already vulnerable status' of seasonal migrant workers.

The Justice and Home Affairs Minister is to commission and publish an independent review of Jerey's current work permit policy.

Deputy Beatriz Porée brought the request before the States Assembly.

The review will look into the feasibility, implications, benefits and risks of changing the policy so that permits are issued to employees rather than the employers, while keeping existing restrictions.

This should be presented to the States Assembly by December 2027.

Deputy Raluca Kovacs says they are 'worrying cases' of the consequences of tying employees to employers

She says we are seeing court cases showing the issue:

"When your right to stay depends on one employer, something changes; you don't speak up, you don't question.

"Being far from home and your loved one, you endure, not because you want to, but because you feel you have no choice.

"Call it modern slavery, call it discrimination, call it wrongdoing; however you label it, it exists."

She also wanted a roadmap on how the Employer Pays Principle - ensuring migrant workers are not charged recruitment fees or related costs - could be implemented in the island by June 2027.

This vote was tied, 22 for, and 22 against, meaning it wasn't carried.