Employment

This information what the Immigration (Work Permits) (Jersey) Rules 1995 say about work permits for the employment of overseas nationals in the Island. Whilst it is only a guide, the information aims to answer the questions that are most likely to arise.

When you contact us please provide the following:

• your name as in your passport

• your date of birth

• your nationality

• your Home Office reference number (if you have one)

Who requires a work permit to work in Jersey?

Most overseas nationals who are coming to work in Jersey require work permits.

Some persons may be exempt from the requirement for a work permit; for example a Commonwealth Citizen coming on a Working Holiday or having a U.K. born grandparent. In these and other exempt cases an entry clearance must be obtained before arriving in Jersey. If you think you may be exempt please enquire of this Service.

You do not require a work permit if you are a British Citizen or a national of a Member State of the European Economic Area.

What are the requirements for the issue of a Jersey work permit?

The Customs & Immigration Service is not an employment agency and cannot help you find employment in the Island. An application for a work permit must be submitted to this Service by the person wishing to employ an overseas national.

The Home Affairs Committee which administers the issue of permits is required to consider the following before issuing a permit:

• the extent to which the vacancy exists

• the manner in which and the extent to which the vacancy has been advertised, and the period for which the vacancy has been advertised

• the availability of persons not requiring a work permit who have a level of experience or training adequate for the vacancy

• the wages and conditions of service offered for the vacancy, and the wages and conditions of service applicable to the majority of persons similarly employed in the Island and

• the economic situation of the Island.

The Home Affairs Committee may also have regard to:

• the work experience and character of the prospective employee

• any provision made by the employer for housing the employee.

How long is a work permit valid for?

For seasonal or part time work, 9 months is the maximum duration, in any other case a permit will not exceed three years. In exceptional cases the Committee may authorise a period of employment not exceeding five years.

General provisions regarding the issue of work permits.

The overseas national must have the work permit in his possession for presentation to the Immigration Officer at the British port of arrival.

A work permit holder must take up his employment within two months of the date of issue. After that the permit will cease to be valid for entry.

The holder is restricted to the type and duration of employment specified on the permit.

A visa national is required to have a visa as well as a work permit to enter Jersey for employment.

If there is a problem what should the permit holder do?

Contact the Customs & Immigration Service as soon as possible who will endeavour to resolve the problem. The problem will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.