South Africans are the Isle of Man’s largest overseas population outside of the British Isles. A fact stated by the Isle of Man’s Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan. In the 2021 census on the island, South Africans made up over 1,200 of the residents.
It seems like South Africans are in popular demand on the island to fill the gaps in the labour market. Reportedly, the Isle of Man is even hosting trade shows in major South African cities.
Why is the Isle of Man a popular emigration destination for South Africans?
South Africans are attracted to the Isle of Man for several reasons. Businesses who want to expand overseas find the Isle of Man an attractive haven, as it is close to Europe and the UK. Its taxation system is separate from the UK, and there is no wealth tax or capital gains tax, and most businesses reportedly have a 0% tax on profit.
There is also a big demand for skilled workers on the island.
Although not as sunny as South Africa, it does offer idyllic landscapes and dramatic coastlines. Families are also attracted by the secure environment, excellent education, and healthcare system.
The island seems to boast many compelling reasons for South Africans looking to expand their horizons.
Isle of Man Visa Options
There are several routes available for persons wanting to relocate to the Isle of Man. Below, we discuss some of the options available. For those with ancestral ties, it would be worth your while to get in touch with our Nationality Department to discuss possible British nationality claims or the possibility of the Ancestral visa route.
Spouse/Unmarried Partner Visa for Isle of Man
The Bailiwick of Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency and comprises the Isle of Man and the Bailiwick of Jersey.
Persons who are married to or in a relationship with a British Passport holder or a person considered settled in the UK can apply for the Spouse/Unmarried Partner Visa. This visa will allow you to work in Guernsey and travel to the UK as a visitor.
Once you have completed a total of five years in Guernsey on this visa, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain for Guernsey and the UK. After that, you could apply for British citizenship and a British passport.
Worker Migrant Visa for Isle of Man
The Worker Migrant visa will allow a South African to reside and work in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, comprising the Isle of Man and Bailiwick of Jersey.
Whilst the skilled worker permit process shares some similarities with the UK process, there are some distinct differences.
A prospective employer will need to apply to the Isle of Man Immigration Service for a Certificate of Employment (CoE) before the migrant worker will be able to apply for the visa. This essentially means that there is no set list of employers that may employ a migrant worker. Once the CoE has been granted, a migrant worker can apply to live and work in the Isle of Man for up to three years, which can be extended for another three years.
The Worker Migrant Visa will allow you to do the following:
- Work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship.
- Do a second job in certain circumstances.
- Do voluntary work.
- Study if it doesn’t interfere with the job you’re sponsored for.
- Travel abroad and return to the UK, and bring your family members with you!
Once you have completed a total of five years in Guernsey on the worker migrant visa, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain for Guernsey and the UK. After that, you could apply for British citizenship and a British passport.
Advantages of Obtaining a Visa to Live and Work in Guernsey
The biggest advantage of obtaining a visa for Guernsey, compared to the UK, is that there is no Immigration Health Surcharge payable, which can amount to a hefty amount.
Furthermore, after obtaining ILR for the Isle of Man, you can apply for British citizenship, enabling you to also live and work in the rest of the UK.
How Breytenbachs can help with Isle of Man Visa Options
Breytenbachs have had several successful applications for overseas workers in several of the available routes, to live and work on the Isle of Man. If you are interested in learning more, or want to apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
