A seasonal (unskilled) work permit holder for employment of up to 9 months will no longer be allowed to transfer to another employer when their main contract of employment ends.

Long term work permits for all hotel and catering occupations, including "Executive Head Chef", "Head Chef", "Sous Chef", "Pastry Chef" and "Chef de Partie", will be required to be advertised extensively.  Increases in the work permit application process ref the duration of permit fee are less than 1 month - £50; 1 to 6 months - £75; 6 to 9 months - £100; 9 to 12 months - £150; 1 to 2 years - £250; 2 to 3 years- £300; 3 to 5 years - £500. The following will be effective from 1 March 2012:

It is important that persons coming to the Island should have a basic command of the English language which will allow them to cope with everyday life so we will see the introduction of an English language requirement as part of the qualifying criteria for the issue of a work permit.  Existing work permit holders, including seasonal (unskilled) workers who are here under 9 month permits, are exempt.

An employer will be allowed to submit a work permit application 3 months before a person, outside of Jersey, is to take up employment.  This will allow time for the period of notice to be completed and, if necessary, make an entry clearance (visa) application at a British Diplomatic post.  It is recognised that this is currently causing difficulty for prospective employers and employees abroad.