A council in Northern Ireland is set to urge the Isle of Man Government to reconsider visa arrangements affecting fishermen amid fears they could place a centuries-old industry under serious pressure.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) has also called on the British-Irish Council – established under the Good Friday Agreement – to examine the issue as concerns grow about the potential impact on the Irish Sea fishing industry.

However, the Isle of Man Government has said there have been no recent changes to visa or immigration requirements for foreign nationals working in Manx waters.

Despite this, representatives at NMDDC warned that around 70% of fishing vessels in Northern Ireland rely on overseas crew members who could face barriers to working in Manx waters under the island’s immigration rules.

The motion was discussed at a recent full council meeting, where Mournes DUP councillor Glyn Hanna said the rules could have significant consequences for the industry.

He said: ‘This council is deeply concerned that the Isle of Man Government’s position means fishing vessels from Northern Ireland operating with crews using a transit visa or a UK Skilled Worker visa cannot fish commercially in Manx waters.

‘The legislation requires that an Isle of Man work visa is obtained and, to use these visas, the business must be an Isle of Man business. This will be difficult.

‘This legislation will damage a large number of Northern Irish fishing boats who fish within the Isle of Man 12-mile limit.’

In a clarification issued in March, the Isle of Man Government said non-Common Travel Area nationals must obtain appropriate immigration permission before undertaking work in the island’s territorial waters. This typically involves entry clearance under the Isle of Man’s worker migrant visa framework, supported by employment with an Isle of Man-based employer.

The government also said UK Skilled Worker visas cannot be used for employment in the Isle of Man because they are tied to work for a UK-registered sponsor and require the holder to work and live in the UK.

Officials also said references to ‘transit visas’ had caused confusion, noting that transit permission does not grant the right to work.

However, councillors in County Down warned the position could still have significant implications for the local fishing industry.

Councillor Hanna said: ‘For many years fishing fleets have found it difficult to recruit local crews, resulting in around 70% of vessels in Northern Ireland employing overseas workers from countries such as the Philippines and parts of Africa.

‘There are thousands of jobs and a large amount of money involved in all of this.

‘This motion is important to the people of Co Down, where there is a tradition of fishing going back centuries and we do not want to lose it.’

Councillors also approved an amendment from Crotlieve SDLP councillor Declan McAteer to write to the secretariat of the British-Irish Council in Edinburgh asking it to consider the matter.

The Isle of Man Government said it is in discussions with Northern Ireland authorities to explore a clear and workable approach that provides certainty for vessel operators while ensuring compliance with existing legislation.