Pausing visa applications wouldn't be viable, says treasury minister

Pausing visa applications to enable a full review wouldn't be a viable option, according to the Treasury Minister.

Chris Thomas was responding to a Tynwald question for written reply from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse, who asked whether government had considered pausing them.

Mr Thomas explained it couldn't be done because the Island still faces a short supply of numerous essential and specialist skills, with employers having recruitment difficulties.

He added the impact on businsses of stopping applications would be significant, and so government is focusing on making improvements to the immigration system instead.