A total of 445 work permits have been issued during the Covid-19 lockdown.

But of these, the overwhelming majority (82%) of the permits issued during the period related to changes of employment for existing residents, automatic permits and renewals.

Only 79 applications were from those who were moving to the island to take up employment.

Figures were released in a written reply to a Tynwald question from Onchan MHK Julie Edge. She asked Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly to provide a breakdown of work permits issued between March 15 and August 7.

Mr Skelly said his department had announced the relaxation of certain requirements for existing work permit holders and exempt persons as part of the response to the pandemic.

But it had continued to administer work permit applications during the lockdown.

He said as part of the application process for new work permits, employers are required to demonstrate that there are no suitable and available Isle of Man workers.

Of the 445 permits, 135 had been issued automatically to a spouse or partner of the applicant. A total of 33 permits were issued for jobs in the construction centre.