Island residents cannot apply for working holiday visas in New Zealand.

Reports in the Jersey press suggest there has been a recent change in policy by the New Zealand immigration authorities - meaning visitors from the British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories are no longer accepted onto its Working Holiday Visa Scheme.

The scheme allows travellers to work while they are away for up to 23 months to fund their trip.

But a Manx government spokesman said: ’This situation is not new and we are aware that is has affected Isle of Man residents in the past.

’The rules apply to residents of all Britain’s Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories. Other New Zealand visas are available to Isle of Man residents.’