A government department has discussed the idea of Hong Kong residents being invited to move to the Isle of Man, Tynwald heard.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse quizzed the Chief Minister over whether the island could host new residents from the former British territory in the near future.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the right to live and work in the UK may be offered to some 350,000 residents in Hong Kong, who are eligible for a British overseas passport, should China tighten security laws there.

Mr Quayle said the Isle of Man had its own immigration rules although they align closely with those of the UK.

He said: ’I can confirm to date that the Council of Minister has not discussed this particular development although I am aware that the Minister for Enterprise had been considering this issue and it has come up in discussions with industry as part of Locate planning.

’I know he is considering how best to capitalise upon any opportunity that may emerge.’

Mr Moorhouse suggested there was the potential for a number of Hong Kong residents to be in the island in the next 18 months.

Mr Quayle said: ’There are 350,000 people who potentially could be allowed into the UK. It will take a rule change from the UK. I’m sure we will closely align to that.

’There will be skills that may well be excellent for the Isle of Man to encourage people from the Hong Kong area should there be a tightening going forward.’

Mr Quayle pointed out that the island has gone from less than 1% unemployment to a minimum of 3% ’with more when the furloughing is removed, no doubt’.

’We will have to consider carefully the needs of our own people who are unemployed,’ he added.