> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thequarry.media/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Six more staff to help population management service to tackle significant permit backlog - URL: https://www.thequarry.media/six-more-staff-to-help-population-management-service-to-tackle-significant-permit-backlog/ - Published: 2026-10-05T10:14:59.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-05T10:14:59.000Z - Author: The Quarry - Tags: News - Home Affairs has agreed to grow the Population Management Service team to address a backlog of 3,886 permit applications - The backlog increased earlier this year after initially showing signs of reduction at the end of 2025 - Increased complexity of applications, including the three-year STEP limit and expiry of transitional arrangements, has driven demand and created processing pressures - The committee introduced temporary extensions to short term permits over summer and is working to identify deliverable targets and timeframes for clearing the backlog - A population policy review will commence in the coming weeks to streamline application processing and provide greater confidence to the business community Listen to this article 0:00 /0 1× Home Affairs has agreed to again grow staffing levels at the Population Management Service to address a significant backlog of permit applications. As of 17th September, there were 3,886 applications for population management permits or certificates requiring action by the service, alongside 324 applications in immigration workstreams. The decision builds upon a support plan endorsed earlier in the year which provided resources for establishing a dedicated customer service team. Recent appointments have seen the team go from 13 to 16, with another individual to join the team in the coming weeks, taking that number to 17, although they are not all full time equivalents. If the next recruitment efforts are successful, it will result in an additional six officers who would be appointed on a temporary basis. Alongside the staffing changes, work is underway to improve reporting and performance management, streamline processes and identify opportunities for digital enhancement The committee said it is seeking to provide reassurance to the community that it is focused on ensuring stability in the service and tackling the backlog. It also acknowledged concerns that have been expressed over increasing and uncertain processing times and the potential impact on businesses. At the end of 2025, indications suggested the backlog was reducing. However, near the start of this year it was reported that the application backlog had started to increase again. A programme of operational improvement commenced in February to address both immediate service pressures and the underlying causes of backlog growth. Further investigation identified that additional demand was primarily due to the increasing complexity of applications. The introduction of a three-year Short Term Employment Permit (STEP) limit, together with the expiry of transitional arrangements, has resulted in an increase in out-of-policy requests, complex referrals and rejections. This presented a challenge to business and placed increased pressure on the service. The committee responded to challenges reported by industry by introducing a temporary extension to short term permits to provide respite to some employers over the summer season. It also endorsed a support plan to relieve some immediate operational pressures, improve customer service and support the processing of applications. In July, the committee received an update noting that the challenges faced by the service reflected pressures that had developed over a number of years, which had been compounded by post-Brexit policy changes. It was acknowledged that the additional support measure, which included additional resources, represented a positive first step but that additional work was necessary to address longer-term capacity and resilience issues. Work is ongoing to identify deliverable targets and more specific timeframes. When application processing has stabilised, there is an expectation that the Population Management Administrator will set and report on service standards, acknowledging that some applications are more complex which will influence processing times. The committee will also look closely at the opportunity for policy changes to streamline application processing and provide industry with greater confidence in the regime in the coming months. In the coming weeks, work will formally commence on the population policy review, with cross-committee engagement and understanding the needs of the business community being key to this work. Deputy Marc Leadbeater, President of Home Affairs, said: "The backlog of applications makes for very sobering reading, however, whilst I am disappointed to have to make an announcement like this, it is important that there is clarity around exactly where and how we are going to rebuild confidence in the system. This is not an issue that has arisen overnight, or due to any one factor and it will take time to tackle the backlog of applications. The allocation of additional resources will be essential if we are to make timely progress. "This operational response must be complemented by a review of the regime itself. The Committee firmly believes that the regime must continue to evolve and flex to respond to the needs of industry, whilst responsibly managing the consequences of accessing a worldwide employment pool on our Island community." ## Q&A **Q: How many permit applications are currently in the backlog?** A: As of 17th September 2026, there were 3,886 applications for population management permits or certificates requiring action, plus 324 applications in immigration workstreams. **Q: What caused the backlog to increase after initially reducing?** A: The increasing complexity of applications, primarily due to the introduction of a three-year Short Term Employment Permit limit and the expiry of transitional arrangements, resulted in more out-of-policy requests, complex referrals and rejections. **Q: What steps have been taken to address the backlog?** A: The committee has allocated additional resources, established a dedicated customer service team, introduced temporary extensions to short term permits over summer, and will commence a population policy review in the coming weeks to streamline application processing.