At a Chamber of Commerce lunch yesterday, Senator Ian Gorst briefed the Island’s business community on how the States has prepared for Brexit and what challenges might need to be faced.
During his speech he took the opportunity to reassure EU nationals that he ‘wants them to stay’ in the Island post-Brexit.
The minister said that a great deal of uncertainty remains over the consequences of Brexit following the rejection of Theresa May’s withdrawal deal by the UK parliament.
He added, however, that the States has carried out extensive work on contingency planning culminating in a ‘table-top’ worst-case scenario exercise that was held yesterday.
Senator Gorst said that among the most important work carried out was establishing a settled status scheme, similar to the UK’s, which will allow EU migrants to retain their rights to live and work in the Island post-Brexit if they register.
‘We have created the Jersey EU settlement, which mirrors the UK scheme,’ he said.
‘That again will give certainty to EU citizens who are living here and that is incredibly important.’
The minister added that he believes migrants that contribute positively to the community and economy should be ‘welcomed with open arms’.
‘We have heard a lot of negative narrative about migration and immigration and some have said that one of the reasons for the decision in the United Kingdom was a frustration with population levels and migration,’ he said.
‘For my part, people who choose to come and live in our community and are committed to our community we should welcome them with open arms.
‘They are of immense value to our community. Not just financially, not just filling the jobs that businesses have – they make us a more diverse community, they make us a more culturally rich community.
‘I want to say to every one of those citizens – you are very welcome here and we want you to stay.’
EU nationals who wish to retain their rights to live and work in Jersey post-Brexit need to register for settled or pre-settled status, which will involve a £25 fee. More details can be found at gov.je.
