Digitalisation of immigration applications enhances service efficiency

• Immigration work applications have transitioned to a digital format.
• The changes merge Immigration and Population Management processes.
• A single online application system replaces multiple paper forms.
• New fees structure introduced.
• Further enhancements are expected in late 2025 or early 2026.

The government has announced the digitalisation of immigration work applications, effectively merging the Immigration and Population Management services.

This initiative aims to streamline application processes for Work and Employment Permits.

People will now submit a single online application through a revamped Population Management Portal. This system consolidates the necessary information required by officers to make decisions, eliminating the need for various paper forms and manual processes that previously characterised the Immigration system.

"Only one Permit will be granted covering both Population Management & Immigration. This is one of the changes the industry has wanted and should make the process easier and quicker," said a States spokesperson.

The new setup is in line with directives from the Population & Immigration Policy Letter which received approval from the States Assembly in October 2022.

Accompanying this transition is the implementation of the Immigration Fees Order, 2025, approved in June.

This new fees structure mandates that all types of Immigration applications incur fees, which will be processed in a single payment through the online system. This change will also apply to EU nationals for the first time since Brexit.

While the digital system marks progress in streamlining services, applicants for Work Permits under the 6-month Visa Exemption and for the islands of Alderney, Sark, and Herm will continue using paper forms and the previous manual process until further notice.

Employers seeking assistance during the application process may contact the Population Management Office at 01481 225790 or via email at population@gov.gg, or the Immigration Nationality Division at 01481 221420 or immigration@gcis.gov.gg.

For comprehensive details and application guidelines for Employment Permits, individuals are encouraged to visit gov.gg/epp.

Updated immigration fees can be found at gov.gg/immigration.

Applications can be submitted online at populationportal.gov.gg.