More than 700 people have moved to the island for contractual reasons since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Policy and Reform Minister Ray Harmer was asked by Bill Shimmins (Middle) how many people have gained residency since March 4 by purchasing property in this week’s House of Keys sitting.

Mr Harmer stated that 721 people had taken up Manx residency for contractual reasons, which can include coming to the island to work or if they have a mortgage here. A further 1,748 people entered on compassionate grounds.

Mr Shimmins asked if the numbers were able to be split into how many people had moved for employment and those who have purchased a property, so that members could understand the level of inward migration.

Mr Harmer replied: ’The records themselves do not appear to separately distinguish, however I’ll certainly endeavor that if there’s other information that we can pertain that we will get that information out.’

Julie Edge (Onchan) asked him if the figures were correct and were not in appliance with the law and if those contracts are not fulfilled, if these exemptions can be withdrawn.

The minister said that the government was relying on people following the rules and that the process of applying requires the individual to provide evidence of their contractual obligation, and any breaches of the regulations should be reported.

helpful

Mr Shimmins said that it would be helpful to understand how many of those new residents are over and under 65 years old, and also those people who have moved for work and those who came to retire.

Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew) also asked the price of the houses and were any in the excess of £250,000 or more than £1million.

Mr Harmer responded by saying that there is a Census being conducted in April 2021, which would be a key point to answer those questions.

Ms Edge asked whether an exemption gave someone the right to remain on the island if there was no end date to it, which Mr Harmer said was permitted.

Mr Shimmins posed the question about whether Mr Harmer agreed that it was important not to hide behind Data Protection Act considerations, as all the data could be anonymised.

Mr Harmer reiterated that he would provide the relevant information if available.