Independent Review Ordered Into Jersey Work Permit Rules Over Worker Exploitation Concerns

Politicians in Jersey have raised concerns that the island’s current work permit system leaves seasonal migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation, prompting calls for reform.

The Justice and Home Affairs Minister has agreed to commission and publish an independent review into Jersey’s existing work permit policy following a proposal brought forward by Beatriz Porée in the States Assembly.

The review will examine the feasibility, benefits and risks of changing the system so that work permits are issued directly to employees rather than employers, while maintaining current immigration controls. Findings are expected to be presented to the assembly by December 2027.

Meanwhile, Deputy Raluca Kovacs said there were “worrying cases” highlighting the consequences of workers being tied to a single employer.

She pointed to court cases that she said demonstrate the issue, arguing that workers may feel unable to raise concerns if their right to remain on the island depends on their employer.

“When your right to stay depends on one employer, something changes; you don't speak up, you don't question,” she said.

“Being far from home and your loved ones, you endure — not because you want to, but because you feel you have no choice.

“Call it modern slavery, call it discrimination, call it wrongdoing; however you label it, it exists.”

Deputy Kovacs also proposed creating a roadmap to introduce the Employer Pays Principle — which would prevent migrant workers from being charged recruitment or related fees — by June 2027.

However, the proposal was narrowly defeated after a tied vote of 22 in favour and 22 against, meaning the measure was not approved.