Immigration to the island by those from outside Britain and Europe has fallen to its lowest level in three years.

A report to Tynwald shows that the number of migrants in the island fell to some 885 in 2017-2018, down from about 1,030 the previous year, and a high of 1,061 in 2015-16.

In 2014-15, the figure was 843 and 816 in 2013-14.

Some 598 had been given entry clearance in 2017-18, 263 had successfully applied for variation of leave and 24 had been given indefinite leave to remain.

A total of 29 refusal notices for entry clearance were issued, up from 17 last year but down from 45 in 2015-16 and 61 in 2013-14.

The immigration figures refer to foreign nationals from outside the UK and the European Economic Area.

The report by the passport, immigration and nationality service was due to go to next week’s Tynwald but has been withdrawn and revised after the Manx Independent pointed out discrepancies in some of the figures.

One illegal immigrant was identified last year and left the island voluntarily, the report reveals.

A further 18 individuals’ leave to remain was curtailed as they had ceased to meet the requirements of the rules under which their permission to enter or stay was granted.

The 2016 census revealed that the number of island residents who were born outside of the British Isles has risen steadily from 6.2% of the population in 2006 to 7.5% of the population at the 2011 interim census and then to 8.5% of the population in 2016 - a total of 7,082 people.

Many of these individuals will, however, have been resident in the Isle of Man or the UK for many years and will either have been granted or be eligible for British citizenship.

The 2016 census showed that 1,982 people resident in the Isle of Man were born outside the European Union. This is 2.4% of the population.

Of the nine immigration appeals submitted in 2017-18, one was allowed, four were dismissed and four oveturned at review.

News that immigration has fallen will come as a concern to the Manx government which is keen to attract new workers to the island to tackle the skills shortage and boost public revenues.