Immigration ‘is out of control’
Thursday 21st April 2011, 3:00PM BST.
Deputy Paul Le Claire
MINISTERS have let immigration run out of control with the number of newcomers almost double the government target during the past five years, a States Deputy has revealed.
Deputy Paul Le Claire said that since 2006 immigration had been almost twice the 325 per year approved by the States.
His figures – confirmed by the States’ Statistics Unit – show that the ministerial target has been blown away by an average rate of 640 over five years, and 700 over the last three years.
He says that his figures show that ministers have lost control of how many people are moving to the Island, and that the influx will have a huge impact on housing, education, health and other public services.
• See Thursday’s JEP for the full report
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Looks like he has mastered the art of telling us we already know.
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We need work permits to curb immigration. Many of those immigrants will have no quallies, so without work permits in place there’s nothing we can do to stop them arriving.
I have grave concerns about the future of our island though. We have an ageing population, in 20 years time there will be more retired people than ever before. The States need to subsidise these people’s pensions and healthcare etc, and this can only be done with a vibrant economy. With a severe black hole already, we need continued immigration to stop our island going down the same track as Greece and Portugal
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It is but why are they being housed and getting income so easily isn’t it time to investigate these people urgently and you might get immigration under control, this Island has no morals …..
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We’ve had unbriddled mass immigration from Scotland and Ireland for far too long.
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Surprise surprise, you can tell by all the extra cars on the road, all the time!!!
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So, how many people have left each year, what are the NET immigrtion/emigration figures?
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Three cheers for the bright sparks who at last has noticed this.
It’s only 2or 3 years since we told you!
Shutting the barn door immediately would help,give locals a chance for once instead of letting any Tom,Dick or Harry come here and take up all the work and deprive the locals of their livelihood.
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With loads of youngsters out of work why are so many jobs now filled by Polish?
Wouldn’t be greedy people exploiting the Polish immigrants and paying them the minimum wage.
Nah,not in Jersey that paragon of virtue.
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The number of unemployed is quite close to the number of immigrants over the ‘target’ set.
So more immigrants = less jobs for locals, as most of us have been saying for years. Of course, it’s those of us who are paying into the system who are paying the price of allowing all these immigrants to install themselves here.
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not suprised at all, time for a proper, immigration system like the usa or austrailia, and new zealand.
look at the size of these places compared to our 45 sq miles.
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It is rumoured that the population will be allowed to rise to 135k then Dandara will move to pastures new (one plus I suppose)can anyone in power deny this officially.
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No , its fine , we can fit loads more people on this rock , Besides i thought the plan was to slowly swap populations with Poland and Madeira while all the Jersey Beans move away to maybe someday have a hope in hell of owning there own house
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Place them on a ship and send them back to their countries of origin, It is not the fault of Jersey that other countries are in turmoil and Jersey is only as big as it is, control is needed and it should have been in place from the off.
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To bloody right, ship the lot back!!!
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These figures relate only to those who entered legally. I believe there are many more who have come here and work in the black economy
Our government doesn’t seem to care
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Well well well, someone has woken up!!!!
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no kidding, bet it didnt take a genius to work this out.
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I could have told you that 5 years ago!!
Bring back permit work like it was 40 years ago…but as with everything that used to be good on this island, you lot did away with it!
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No s… Sherlock !! Far too many poles and others here , its simply the truth
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Have you only just realised this or have you just awoken from a long sleep
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All statistics can be presented to meet your own needs. How many have left during the same period? And what is the income bracket (i.e. how much tax are they contributing) of these 640? What is the net impact on tax revenue between those who have entered and left?
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At last, someone with sense, this is the exhaustion on our ‘rainy day’ fund a major contribution to the Islands deficit, we are not part of the EU and therefore cannnot understand why we don’t have proper immigration controls in place???!!!
WE NEED THEM urgently before this Island really does turn into a free for all, we are already a laughing stock and an easy ride for most eastern european and god only know how many portuguese, please do the math before everyone struggles for their basic state pension, we will have no hope if you carry on letting people in TAKE SOME TIPS FROM AUSTRALIA, if you cant support yourself and have x amount in the bank go away and if you have a criminal record no chance… sort it out now before it gets worse!!!!
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…the police chief, deputy and two superintendents don’t help the immigration equation!
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More newcomers who come to work will pay that desperately needed tax that will pay the shortfall in the pension fund et al. An ageing population which requires their pension needs the money to be obtained from somewhere.
Also, without all these new comers, how else could the fulfilment industry become established? Where else would the staff have come from?
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Well done Sherlock, tell us something we didn’t already know!
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Do figures exist showing the number of people living in Jersey that were born on the Island of Jersey parentage. I am getting a distinct feeling that true Jerseymen/women are rapidly becoming a minority.
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This is a direct result of 0/10.
Because foreign owned companies don’t pay any tax here then tax receipts must come from somewhere and where better than the employees of these companies in the form of ITIS.Most of the bigger companies in the island pay no company tax but the Council of Millionaires is willing to turn a blind eye to how many employees they have as long as they’re all paying ITIS.This is just a short term fix and obviously unsustainable as no consideration has been given to infrastructure.The future is very bleak for the people of this Island under the current government who must clearly be the worst bunch of loathsome ministers since Independence 800 years ago.
It all seemed to go wrong for Jersey with the introduction of Ministerial Government and in particular Frank Walker.
If we would have gone for slow sustainable growth the Island would still be a pleasant place to live.Instead we went for the boom and bust method.Short term selfish greed and long term suffering.’Jerseys open for business’ ‘Life Enriching’. What a load of crap.Its just big business looking after itself.
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thats terrible news maybe its time for me to move on jersey`s been good to me cheap states rents good income support but the party`s been over for last couple of years as soom as the h.i.e card went i knew the end was near
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I cannot believe this is news of today, I have been telling everyone it has been out of control for years and they only just realise now?!
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The work done by the immigrants pays the income support for locals too lazy to work.
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Yes it is and has been for years.
You can blame Frank Walker and his gang for this.
They are soley to blame for a £1 billion pound expenditure and a civil service out of control.
The taxayers of Jersey can not sustain this.
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Hey,I am a bloody Polish working on this island for lat 5 years without a day off sick, unpaid overtime, working Sundays, Bank Holidays, Xmas etc. All for little bit over the minimum wage and over-paying for the accommodation. Would a Jersey person do that? In my company we have had a few, but they never lasted too long, working on Sunday morning was TOO MUCH after Friday and Saturday nights out. You dont want Poles and others come to the island and still keep prices at the same level? Teach locals to work for minimum wage to serve you in the shops, pubs, restaurants etc. Look in the mirror first and answer a question why we were asked to come to this island first. The answer is: to do the job you dont want to!
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I had a friend who lived in Jersey 15 years ago visit me this last week and when we first went into town he commented on the number of foreigh languages being spoken. He said it used to be variations on the English accent, now they are completely foreign.
Typically people from high unemployment areas of the UK would be our immigrants, Scottish, Irish, people from the northern towns of England, are these people still coming because if they are they’re overshadowed by Poles and Portuguese.
Our government have long shied away from a proper immigration policy preferring instead to use the innefective quals system which simply stores the problem for a few years down the line. What they appear not to have taken into account is that the people from Portugal who have been our main source of foreign immigration over the past 30 years are mostly Catholic and don’t practice birth control. Consequently nearly all have children, do you know any Portuguese couples who don’t have children?
These are massively resource hungry because the use our healthcare and education systems while their parents typically have low paid jobs resulting in them paying little or no tax. So the group of people using most of our resources are the ones paying the least into the system.
We need a government with balls to stop this now, put in place a work permit system that permits us to choose who works in Jersey. I’m not against immigration, I myself am English and have lived and contributed here for 25 years. Lets just restrict influx to the appropriate number of people to fill the jobs we have available and not leave it unchecked as it currently is.
We should also review all J cats as I know of a couple who came over to do jobs for banks that they are no longer doing. They have had to change jobs due to the current crisis, are the jobs they now do worthy of J cat status?
I sincerely hope that the upcoming election produces a changed government that represents the overwhelming wishes of the people.
Mulvie – serious for once.
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At least the Poles are keen to work. The Jersey folk are lazy and quite happy on benefits, which the Poles help to pay !!! I say keep the immigrants and let the locals cath that boat…
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Too little too late.
When the States set up their immigration policy they should have put the controls in place to monitor those entering the island.
In conjunction with background checks and enforcement of the regulation of undertakings the island may have been a much better place.
The current states policies however are driving good hard working people away… it won’t be long until the island is running on empty
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Last time I visited jersey I found out that most people around me spoke others languages but english. I was surprised and didn’t feel I was in the lovely island of Jersey. Do something now and the tourists will come back.
Britt
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well done have you just woken up are you drinking the same coffee as ozouf you can tell the island is over populated by the amount of cars on the roads sherlock
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justin(25) my parents came here in 1949, and had me. i am first generation, and there was lots like me, whose parents came here . my father used to say he came to jersey as it was rumoured that”they are going to close the doors ”
before he died he said ” the place is ruined”
and mainly by pure greed.
i would guess, that those with parents and grand parents born here are very few these days .
the story goes that this is one of the richest islands in the world , so how come the goverment are skint.
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Get real – here is a little stanza for all you locals to learn and recite – I have kept is easy (considering the audience):
Poles & portugese for the jobs we don’t want to do.
The UK immigrants for the jobs we can’t do.
Simple.
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Not all us locals are anti immigration. I bought an ex small hotel in 2001 for £150k (on a 95% mortgage).
Tourism was on it’s knees and the owner wanted out.
I then converted it to 9 bedsits. Over the past 9 years I have had almost 100% occupancy and have taken over £600k in rental income. I currently get over £80k per annum rental income. I could have paid off this building 4 times over. I now have an asset that is paid off – is earning me £5,000 profit per month and is worth over £1m.
I am not unique in both making an income and having such valuable property asset amongst Jersey locals.
Not bad for someone who left school with no qualifications.
And who do I owe my fortune to? Immigrants.
Long may they come to our island. Because this local recognises that without them we would be in a much worse state.
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HA HA… you small minded little islanders have no idea how lucky you are in comparison to a lot of areas in the UK! Under Tony Blair, 2 million people were (legally) allowed into the UK – in just over a decade!
I’d love to see how you’d react if large chunks of Jersey were turned from white european into little pakistan or jamaica!
Stop moaning, a few hard working Polish have probably helped you more than destroyed you.
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I think the point Jersey beans is that if you look around Europe and see the mass immmigration of people into the EU in the last 20 years you might look as your situation in a different light and realise that you have been extremely lucky… in saying that, if you are still moaning, maybe you’d like to swap with Malta – an island that is being swamped by Africans looking for a better life in Europe.
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There is another benefit to the local economy of having a large influx of immigrants. With more people looking for work ensures that wage demands fall. This is capitalism at its ‘best’. The laws of supply and demand.
Consequently, businesses can employ people at a cheaper rate and thus maintain their profitability.
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No 40, that figure you quoted is actually the net immigration figure over the 13 year period of ZanuLabour. The gross number they let in was 3.6 million. As that ex Labour speach writer recently admitted, it was a deliberate policy to smash the local British culture and bring in a Labour voting multicultural society on a permanent basis. And they’ve achieved it as you cant turn back the clock now.
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dismayed, but not shocked at the ‘BNP’ style rubbish being spouted by the majority of people on this thread!!!
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Mr Bean
40 years ago we were told that there were 80000 people in the island.
Now they say we have nearly 90000.These figures do not add up to me.
there are thousands more houses and cars.
I know a number of people who never received a census form,so how are we to believe the figures the states give us.
The figure is more like 120000.
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Election year, so the Deputy decides he’d better say something appealing, in case we’ve all forgotten his existence.
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Sadly the underlying story here is not about immigration, although I wish it was. It is to remind us that the triennial elections are only 6 months away and all incumbent States Members will be using well-known ‘parliamentary devices’ (e.g. asking questions in the House/ Scrutiny Panel shenanigans) to bring themselves to the attention of journalists who cover the States, and hence to us. It’s a darn sight more effective than an election leaflet through the door- and this way the publicity is all free too!
In Paul Le Claire’s district, there is traditionally way less than 300 votes between the poll-topper (elected) and the 4th place candidate (not elected) and with so much at stake financially it is worth just spewing out the same hot air about ‘immigration’ that got you elected top of the poll 3 years ago, 6 years ago etc. Other candidates will use other devices to try to ensnare gullible voters (e.g. Ben Shenton’s anti-benefit claimant rants).
So just be aware that Paul is merely one of dozens of politicians who you will be seeing a lot more of in the next few months, and then a lot less of by year end. There are 2 other incumbents in his district alone (Judy Martin and Trevor Pitman) who polled less votes than Paul last time so they will have even more reason than him to be using ‘parliamentary devices’ to keep themselves in the limelight and consequently on the States gravy train. In particular Pitman was only 81 votes ahead of the 4th placed candidate in 2008 so you will be seeing more of him on TV in the next few months than Simon Cowell! Don’t be fooled and don’t think that any sitting member is losing sleep about immigration, benefit claimants or any other topic of consequence.
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This has been ongoing from 2006, and the figures published by the states statistics unit confirm this. Deputy Le Clair has not revealed this, the figures have always been publically available.
As it has been ongoing from 2006, one wonders why Le Clair is making a huge fuss about it now – he is obviously trying to get votes from a not very clever section of the electorate.
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29 + 31…..well said, my thoughts exactly !! Locals dont want immigrants here but they want benefits etc etc. Bring back all the locals who moved off the island to steal other peoples jobs in other countries. I hope they are treated as badly as you treat immigrants here. Shame on you all.
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‘As that ex Labour speach writer recently admitted, it was a deliberate policy to smash the local British culture and bring in a Labour voting multicultural society on a permanent basis. And they’ve achieved it as you cant turn back the clock now.’
Well they have obviously not acheived their cited aim then! Labour was overwhelmingly smashed at the last UK election so its backfired on them.
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Headlines say Immigration is out of control, and lower down it says 1310 out of work. Must be one figure answering another in there somewhere !
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HI there, i get really annoyed from hearing this stuff from all these closed minded people. I have been here for more than 3 years. And from what i have witnessed everyone just seems to be wanting an office job well paid, not too much stress, free evening, free weekends not even mentioning Bank holidays or Christmas. I have been working in hospitality for 10 years now and believe me- its honestly earned money. But most of all these 1300 unemployed would rather be claiming benefits of maybe 100 quid per week than working as a waiter or chef for sometimes more than 300quid per week. Does it tell you something? You don’t need qualifications, or high education to get a decent job but WILL!!! Although most people will rather be hoping for better job and more money without any effort and be enjoying great lifestyle this island has to offer. And when it comes to immigrants- nobody comes here to steal anyone’s job. In most cases it works on basis- first comes first served. Simply said who wants to work then will and who does not then they will continue blaming everything on somebody else.
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I agree with the Deputy but he is blatantly electioneering. He needs a job after the elections and he is one of a number of States members who would have difficulties finding a job in the real world. Be ready for many such ” popular” statements from States members we hardly know existed telling the public what they want to hear
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46 sorry, that can’t go unchallenged. The Deputy actually brought a proposition for work permits but was defeated because there’s supposed to be something in the pipeline. Why not search the statesassembly.gov.je Hansard if you’re interested, maybe you’ll see he’s someone you should be supporting rather than bashing.
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#4 What? But not England?
Stop moaning, you can go to Scotland without anyone imposing any restrictions on you despite you not being Scottish! Hardly the reception Scots get here now is it?
Jersey Charities and Not-for Profit organisations would be lost if it wasn’t for the Scots and the Irish! The pay might not be great in these roles but they are essential to the island (mostly benefitting locals) and Scots and Irish tend to be more socialist than Jersey folks.
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#50 I’ve met quite a few Jersey-born people back home in Scotland, I think we should ship them all back here why should they be allowed to buy houses in my country, get benefits in my country, take advantage of the lower cost of living etc? They’re not even bringing any skills that Scotland doesn’t have already. When we get independence it will be important to tackle this issue.
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Bring back work permits like there used to be. Guess you should’nt have opened the doors! Now it’s taken how long to notice Jersey’s Immigration is out of control?? Maybe less talking and more ACTION might resolve some of these issues.
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Firstly in no way is this racist, but just go to the docks when that Condor arrives and look how many immigrants come off each time. To top that I see there are soon to be direct flights from Poland. I am all for people seeking better lives but this island is only 45 square miles, enough is enough. Close the door now, not next week now. Our roads are crumbling due to the amount of traffic. I am astounded that politicians have only just realised when the public have seen this going on for years. Just look at the mess the UK is in with immigration and we are going the same way.
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I left jersey eight years ago totally dismayed with how the island was heading , immigration is great as long as you have the right people coming in , not drug pushers ,ex cons and some of the low life scum that do not care about anyone or anything and unfortunately there are just too many of these , its a shame that they give a bad name to all the good hardworking immigrants who have to endure years of primative regulations before they can live in a decent home . Its about time for jersey to decide if they want to be part of europe or not, jersey people cannot work in europe but europeans,can come to jersey as they like if you dont want a euro work force close that door and only let in uk residents with a decent attitude and who really want to be in jersey
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There seems to be a lot of young, fairly attractive east european women who marry middle aged beans and then come to live in Jersey (obviously for economic reasons and to better their extended family’s lives). Shouldn’t there be tighter controls on this sort of thing?
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wan (15) Our government doesn’t seem to care
No Wan. Our government is the problem!
Yes Blade (31) The civil service out of control and I do blame Frank Walker.
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@39
God’s Mentor
And New Zealanders for when we literally can’t get anything else!
I mean, hey, i need someone to clean my pool and wash my car right, thank god they’re cheap!
Love Ya. x
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33 Mulvie Le Phew, Portuguese don’t practice birth control? Just because Portugal is a Catholic Country it does not mean we don’t use birth control. I don’t know anyone who refuses to use birth control because our Country is Catholic. In fact I would bet the majority of us are non-practising Catholics.
I really have to laugh at the extent some people go to make us the root of all evil. LOL
Oh and yes, I do know childless Portuguese couples!
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Yes. We’ve all been saying this for 20 years. it’s bleedin’ obvious and we now have Jersey people out of work and an ever more acute housing shortage. J category licences are routinely abused and Jersey people suffer a form of racial discrimination in their own land. Look at scandal regarding the senior police appointments, for example. These people take up Jersey jobs, housing and use our facilities. Will anything be done? I very much doubt it. There is a form of corruption in all of this and it will take years to stamp it out.
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Of course the immigrants have babies – welfare.
Our COM have copied the policies of the failed state to the north of us where the Brown regine spent and spent on welfare – even with much higher taxes than Jersey this has been a disaster.
How long before our COM have to go cap in hand to the UK and Jersey has to become part of the UK, 50% top tax rate and all – because of the States out of control spending?
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I wonder if the “ahem” Community Relations people will look at discrimination agains the Jerseys. I bet they don’t. They’re more interested in rabble rousing about other causes which don’t really help anyone
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Spoke to an immigrant the other day he said he had been in island 4 weeks and was receiving benefits. How the hell is this happening and I’ve now got to work to 67 to pay for this fiasco. For god’s sake close the doors now.
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Mulvie Le Phew, I hope you are just stirring the pot because if not you’re an idiot!
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#57 if Scotland is so wonderful, why, please tell, have you moved from the Homeland? You do nothing but complain about Jersey and it’s people and talk as if Scotland is the best place on earth. I’ve been there, and it really isn’t. Why should you get the benefits of a better life here, lovely weather, beaches etc when you don’t deserve it?
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just have a look on jersey born teenages and under age pregnacy…
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No. 68.
He was probably winding you up! Check the rules on http://www.gov.je
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No 63, I know your comment was in jest, but who would we get to cut our hedges, clean our pools, mow our lawns, valet our cars, clean our houses etc. etc. if we had no immigration?
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We need a stronger Government I’m afraid. If somebody from Poland (just as an example) is claiming benefits in Jersey, it should stop. The States should instead pay for a one-way ticket back to Poland, it should be the Polish Government’s job to look after them, not ours. Unfortunately, we have people like Simon Crowcroft, who would rather make them feel more welcome by renaming streets
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@Beaumont – is it an example of strong government to forcibly deport people who are out of work? Although I have worked in several hotels here in Jersey and not once seen a Polish person claim benefits, in order to do so they would have to have lived here for five years.
Five years of continuous residence during which time they will have been taking 6% off their earnings towards social security contributions – do you not think it would be more sensible to at least allow them to take out what they put in? I find it hard to believe that seasonal workers in particular will trouble themselves to withdraw whatever pittance of a pension they’re entitled to in 40 years’ time.
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Beaumont – not just renaming streets, he has also publicly stated that he wants to build a mosque!
Great plan. After all, Simon, that sort of thing has worked so well in the UK…hasn’t it?!!
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“Spoke to an immigrant the other day he said he had been in island 4 weeks and was receiving benefits. How the hell is this happening and I’ve now got to work to 67 to pay for this fiasco. For god’s sake close the doors now.”
Go on with you!
What benefit was he claiming and under what right?
There are abuses of the Jersey benefit system, just like there is tax evasion by people who choose to play the system.
There are currently around 1300 registered as unemployed and only around two thirds of these receive benefit.
To me that does not suggest large scale abuse and Jersey benefits are on the whole a lot less generous than UK or EC benefits.
A lot of Jersey benefits are paid to pensioners who have earned them by their payments over their years of employment.
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“I then converted it to 9 bedsits. Over the past 9 years I have had almost 100% occupancy and have taken over £600k in rental income. I currently get over £80k per annum rental income. I could have paid off this building 4 times over. I now have an asset that is paid off – is earning me £5,000 profit per month and is worth over £1m.”
I think you have missed out on your century and vocation.
If you had been born a few hundred years earlier you could have made a fortune trading in slaves!
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73. Well I cut my lawn, clean my own house and my OH washes the cars – no immigrant labour needed around here!
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I’m a Scotsman who moved there about six months ago from Guernsey. It’s okay but quite cold at times. They don’t seem to accept, however, that I am a Scotsman, even though, given current thinking, I have as much right to call myself a Scot as anyone else who happens to move there, for however short a time.
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73; Jersey people would. About 20 years ago, me and all my friends used to do all sorts of jobs like that and it was fun. It was a sort of right of passage. We were hard working and positive about it all. No there is no chance for Jersey people to do these jobs. Foremen who are not Jersey will ensure that only their own countrymen will get the work. Believe me, racism against Jersey people (who the media apparently will no longer refr to as such) is rife. It spreads from this kind of owrk all the way through offices and the abuse of j category licences. It has just been seen with the police appointments. It is a social cancer which seems to be intended to detroy Jersey culture and the Jersey person and I know many who are sick of it.
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78. Pip Clement. Are you for real? The reason I have had 100% occupancy is because I provide 1st class accomodation for a good market rate. Not sure how this makes me a modern day slave trader.
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78, yes he does sound like our Jersey version of Peter Rachman and seems to be proud of it to boot!
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#33 – yes, I know lots of Portuguese couples without children! How can you possibly generalise like that?
There are far too many racist and offensive people on these boards. Shame on you!
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#70 Deluded, you obviously didn’t see Scotland’s beaches if you think I’m benefitting from Jerseys
You’re one of those who cannot separate someone commenting politically about a place and commenting on the people and the natural beauty. I never complain about Jersey the place or Jersey the people, ONLY about the politics. And of course I have a right to do that because I pay my taxes to the States of Jersey the same as you! It’s hardly rocket science now is it
As for whether or not I deserve it, well I’ve got a job that they couldn’t find a Jersey person to do, so I guess I do deserve it!
Ah, people who resort to insults instead of thinking about things logically, why do they exist again? They certainly bring about no evolutionary benefit!
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Peeps,it does not matter who they are or where they’re from..when there are too many there are too many….it suits the politicians for you guys to get all revved up and fling the race card around…but it’s meaningless crap….you can’t put a pint in a half pint pot…That’s all.cap immigration…let’s stabilize what’s here and review it again in time.
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Its all about cheap labour unfortunately unfettered immigration has a much larger indirect cost.
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We need these people to do all the jobs locals won’t cause they think it is below them – like working in the fields or hotels!
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87 – Correct – immigration has for years pushed down the wages of the unskilled already here. The States have spent tens of millions building council houses to house the low paid, including immigrants.
Companies – many who pay Zero tax benefit from low wages costs and now tax payers not only have the burden of paying for the council houses but also welfare payments. And there are umemployed, whilst more come in every day.
Madness – Island is only some 40 square miles enough is enough!
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I was at the Parade kids area on Sat.
Packed and apart from two obvious tourists, my son and I were the only people who had English as a first language.
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#88 In fairness to young locals in Jersey or people in the UK, their Governments have raised them telling them they are only anybody if they go to university, and the point of going to university is to be able to get a job that requires academia and with a good salary (rather than manual labour on minimum wage). There is a good chance that Madeiran and Polish kids currently going through Jersey schools will think very much the same way.
The current generation of young people have had this drummed into them from birth so I’m not sure we can blame them for thinking this way. What we need to do is ensure that the next generation aren’t taught such nonsense.
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We cant complain completely about the immigration in the island….soemtimes we have bennefitted from people coming over….what we can complain about is how uncontrolled it is…..the states have no idea how many people are coming in and living here! When i was younger i lived on a local estate…at night there would be at least 20 portuguese in the flat above us and just as many ..if not more in their garage outside! It happens all the time…a one bed flat that houses 6 people etc!
Get a visa system in place like Oz or NZ…pay attantion to what will benefit our island and not break it! We need to do something soon as people are getting fed up and there will be all out race riots!
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Mulvie nail on head me old son, I don’t know any Portuguese without kids either. That’s the problem with telling the truth, you get branded a racist.
What are people objecting to, are Portuguese high earners paying a lot of tax? – don’t think so. Do they have lots of kids bleeding the system dry – erm yes.
So what’s the objection, I’m more of a plain speaker than you and I’ll say it straight, we have an immigration problem that’s being ignored and always has been.The Portuguese are a big part of the problem for the reasons you say.
Now who is that Portuguese couple without kids, are they gay?
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40. Said as Seen – It’s nice to know that the fine Jersey tradition of ripping off immigrants who need accommodation is alive and flourishing – you’re right, you don’t need qualifications for that!
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I don’t mind immigration, I think it’s important to have diversity in our community.
However that being said, there needs to be some control and the fact that we are over DOUBLE the approved states amount since 2006 is disgusting. Over the past few years as a young islander I’ve often thought to myself what the hell am I paying my taxes for? Everyday there is something that just makes me think REALLY?! If we have a pre-determined amount of people that we are prepared to grant asylum / residency to, then how have immigration been allowed to exceed this limit?
It’s like me receiving a parking fine for £50 and going to the states saying, sorry mate I’m skint this month, I’ve only got a 20 on me….that’ll have to do. You can’t just change the objectives as you go along! Who is going to be held accountable for this? I think we all know, NO-ONE! YET AGAIN, LET’S PLAY THE BLAME GAME.
Oh and on a final note, fair play to the Portugese and Polish workers because you’re excatly right. No young people from Jersey want to go out and work on the farms, serve as waiters / waitresses because they’re born with silver spoons in their mouth. Beans- don’t lie because you know it’s true! Jersey is a bubble and the majority of kids over here don’t even realise they’re born. Apart from that, who’s ever going to be able to buy a house over here on a labourers wage?!
One thing that frustrates me is that migrant workers should have the decency to learn the english language. I’m fed up of having to ask for my bacon roll 15 times before I’m understood (I am partly joking here). I would make the effort if I was going to live in your country- plus people that can speak two languages are always in demand and jobs for foreign speakers pay well. Who knows, we might end up with Polish + Portugese doctors with young Beans working the farms, balance is restored!
P.S.
Portugese- pls get rid of your boy racer cars, at least the Polish are importing theirs rather than making their own.
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@64. I think the difference in culture must be what makes you illiterate?
Nobody likes opportunists when the going gets tough simple as, not on home ground (think back to how you immigrants would feel if we did that to you, I think its called having a little thing called respect for others? even god teaches that to all kinds you know!) have a bit of respect for the people who have lived on this Island before even you were a twinkle in your own fathers eye. Or look at it this way, I will go over to Funchal, visit your relatives farm and take their veg from their field so they have nothing to eat for a few months and no income, because its gone I have exhausted their crops.. ( Not literally, just an analogy) do you get the picture now?
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We have enough idiots of our own to deal with, let’s stop importing more! Think twice, EMPLOY local!
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Out in the real world it looks as if the mass movement of people within the EU is going to be stopped. The French do not want any more immigrants from North Africa and are having a row with Italy.
Hopefully this will mean Jersey will be receiving fewer immigrants in future.
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no 27, 39, 61 and 85 are correct
33 is racist drivel
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As a highly qualified (PhD level) future immigrant to Jersey I’m shocked by the majority of these comments.
I had to apply for a UK work visa (which cost me a fortune), travel to the nearest embassy for finger printing and interviewing and to prove I have sufficient money in my bank account. When I get to Jersey I can only apply for non-qualified jobs unless the future employer wants to obtain a work permit for me and I can only rent non-qualified accommodation. Many of the job adverts I’ve seen only allow you to apply if you’ve been a resident for more than 5 years. I would say that your immigration procedure for non-EU/UK people is pretty stringent. More so than say France where I’ve been living for 4 years. While the paperwork has been a hassle I’ve been accepted into the system, had free healthcare, minimal university fees and financial support.
I’m/was excited about living in Jersey with my partner who is from England and has obtained a qualified job. But comments like these make me a little afraid. Even though I’m university educated I’m willing to accept any job for the lifestyle of living on this island with my partner.
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Future immigrant. Thankfully this board is not representative of the island but of the malcontents who enjoy moaning. The good news for you is that if your partner has been granted a J cat licence you are eligible for a variety of jobs not just the five plus jobs. If your Phd is mathematics based give me a call and I would gladly talk to you about a job. Either way, welcome to the Island. For all it’s faults, it is still a great place to live if you can appreciate the positives.
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#100 It is stringent for the most part. I found this out when I moved here simply to be with my partner (and only because, at that time, he couldn’t move to be with me, otherwise that would have been the preferred option).
However, it seems that some people do manage to get around the red tape somehow, and they give the rest of us immigrants a bad name.
I’ve managed to get a job that would have been restricted to someone with 5 years residency because no-one resident on the island had the right qualifications, so I got my job on merit. It seems some immigrants get their jobs according to who they know
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@100 future immigrant. Don’t worry, it’s always the same vitriol spouted on here by the same people. Come to Jersey, it’s a good place to live. I came 4 years ago and have found it pretty friendly, quite laid back, pleasantly multilingual. The various communities (Portuguese, Polish, Jersey-born, UK born, French etc) seem to rub along well and all do their bit to create a vibrant, dynamic and relatively safe island. It’s not perfect, a bridge to France would improve things, but,overall, I’d recommend the place.Don’t be put off by a few spiteful comments.
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Future Immigrant – Regardless of what you have had to “endure” to come here, don’t expect welcome arms from those who’s lives are been ruined by immigration, if your that clever stay put!
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103 Moo, I whole heartily agree! The Island is beautiful, the people are lovely. Ignore the people on here who do nothing but complain, it’s only over opinionated people who frequent these boards (unfortunately myself included on occasions!) it’s not the opinion of all Islanders.
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102, Leah Holmes ‘I’ve managed to get a job that would have been restricted to someone with 5 years residency because no-one resident on the island had the right qualifications, so I got my job on merit’
I wonder how many thousands of others have got past the 5 year rule on ‘merit’?
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No 100.
Don’t be put off by the handfull of locals who constantly moan on this Forum using various names – it’s a national pastime in Jersey to moan and blame absolutely everything on outsiders. Don’t worry about the five year rule, most job adverts will mention a 5 year residency requirement, but most eployers have the felxibility to employ whoever they wish. As long as you are thick-skinned, with your qualifications you will prosper in Jersey and have a great lifestyle.
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I m French.been here 13 years, did a lot of low wage jobs, stayed in rubbish and expensive accommodation. Paid tax to find a basic social . To scared to go back home to lose my qualies. Might be home now if it wasn’t for qualies. Just bought a house for the price of a castle in france. Life is tuff for everybody . Blame the states and recession , not immigrants cause we are well exploited. Had 3 week off sick in 13 years and I am not responsible for the government overspendings. 1st were French, followed by portuguese and polish, next Greece or turkish, it s always been and will be so get work permits sorted . Blame immigrants for bad economy and Hitler s grandchild will be running the states. Jersey laws are well behind some others and I can’t understand why such a rich island like jersey is millions under. Blame the polish , a bit easy. Where do they all stay ? Landlords must be loving it. Where do they work? Catering and building sites. Local kids can’t find work, don’t give them money to stay at mummies and I am free to kick anybody’s butt if it can help them to get off the playstation.
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Well done to ‘This is Jersey’ for printing some of the more confrontational posts. It’s important to get a balanced view and not deny freedom of speech.
I have to say though, that in my 9 years of being in Jersey, I’ve noticed the atmosphere is getting more and more antagonistic towards Eastern Europeans. It’s not just 1 or 2 of my friends & colleagues, it’s quite a number, and it’s growing all the time. I’m astonished at how spiteful Jersey residents are becoming about Polish immigration. The States need to understand the feelings of Jersey folk and address it, sadly I think they haven’t the slightest idea of how to tackle such matters
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Thank you for your reassurances. I’m actually very excited about moving to Jersey, it looks like a beautiful place. My first choice would be to return back to my home country, but my partner and I have decided to stay closer to his home and see how things go. I think I would have had more negative views towards immigration before I became an immigrant myself. It’s wonderful to travel and to live in a different country for a while. The people you meet, the culture, and my outlook on life has completely changed.
Immigrants who come to a country legally also pay taxes into your society. We help too! We pay for your roads, schools, healthcare. We contribute. And most immigrants do not have the right to receive benefits for at least 2 years.
@Geno: I have a PhD in the geosciences. My PhD covers a wide range of subjects – geotechnical, GIS, computer modelling, hazard, vulnerability and risk assessments. Unfortunately not a lot of mathematics – a few calculations on flood dynamics and the effects of buildings/infrastructure.
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Those of you who think Jersey is a great place to live obviously weren’t here 20 years ago when the ordinary islander could afford a home! The extortionate house prices are down to one thing only – the growing number of immigrants!
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#106 I don’t know, my post had been well advertised for almost 6 months, and I didn’t even know anyone that worked there prior to joining. You may be glad to hear that my colleagues are a veritable who’s who of traditional Jersey names.
Still my boyfriend’s local and he’s aware of companies where the 5-year rule just doesn’t seem to be adhered to, such that the employers will actually tell the potential employee it ‘can be got around’.
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#Future immigrant
You may not know this but Jersey people are not allowed to work or live in the rest of Europe. Maybe now you can understand some of the frustrations in our small island due to uncontrolled immigration. Europeans coming here to work inevitably bring over the rest of their families including relatives in need expensive healthcare etc..this is all being paid for by the taxpaying Jersey people who haven’t got a hope in hell of having the favour returned. I don’t know where you are from but surely if you can work and live in my country I should be allowed to do the same in yours
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No. 91 Leah Holmes. Who will you turn to when you need a Doctor or a Lawyer, both of these professions require a university education. You can not dismiss university educated folk.
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100 A future immigrant…we are overflowing…Bog off.
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I remember when the West indians were given jobs on the buses and trains at cut price wages…it caused big trouble in U.K.people knew they were squirreling money away back home and buying houses to retire to the sunny climate..though inevitably many stayed..Those who cry foul when locals are fed up and say so have a really narrow view..their own…our locals have nowhere to go back to…this is it…our Home and outsiders are overfilling it,and their pocketsmany earning 5 times more than they otherwise could,and greedy buisnesses lapping up cheap labour at the expense of the local workforce all this ruining the quality of life and peace in general,creating all sorts of unneeded demands and expect to be catered to…When in Rome and all that…outsiders have no moral right to be here it is a privilege granted by local powers…and now the locals are telling OUR government..STOP we have had enough…and if they do not listen the consequences will be dire.there will be racial attacks,ostricisation,vengeful attitudes will sharpen.and social unrest will become common place..I have lived in such places where you need bars on the windows and where rape is an expression of hatred…it happens swiftly and can not be eradicated,everyone has to look over their shoulders all the time…and so the relaxed laid back place that was so attractive initially has become just another dog eat dog Sh*t hole.
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All I can see is Immigrants working in places but when do you see them the other side of the counter putting money back into Jersey’s economy? When was the last time you met one in a shop unless scouring the reduced section in order to save more for sending home? or in any of the struggling retail outlets buying clothes, choosing to shop at carboots to save money to (you guessed it) send home!
People like me who are working to better themselves but can’t because of the sea of immigrants want to live a life in jersey and spend my money here thus helping the economy.
I refer to my previous statement, i’ll buy local when you employ local! I’ll be able to!
IMMIGRATION = RECESSION! SIMPLES…
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No. 113. Utter nonsense. SOME Jersey people (around 10%) do not have an AUTOMATIC RIGHT to work in SOME European countries. 90% of Jersey people do have a right to work in EEC countries The remaining 10% are entitled to work in the UK, and can apply to work in most other EEC countries.
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Gotta say i don’t understand what all the locals are moaning about on here, i love all the immigrants, if i had to pay my local brothers & sisters to do the jobs i pay immigrants to do it would cost twice as much!
Plus i always pay my cleaner & gardner & the bloke i use for small house repairs, cash in hand, so i get it even cheaper!
These immigrants have improved our lives no end and all you lot can do is moan! Planks!
Do you really think Jersey locals (i include myself in this) would do the jobs they do for the wages they receive… No and thats the problem, they aren’t taking jobs from locals, they are doing the jobs locals won’t… Geniuses!!!
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Well I guess I’ll see how it goes then. As of July I’ll be living in Jersey and we’ve given ourselves one year and then will reassess how we like it. I’ve got things to keep me occupied if I can’t find a job. We are both very excited and looking forward to becoming part of the community.
@ D Bean
I’m from a commonwealth country so I don’t have the automatic right to work in the EU/UK. Although I did contemplate applying for French residency (which I can do after 3 years living in France with a French degree) so I could work where ever. I’m coming over on a 2 year working holiday visa because the highly skilled migrant visa (points based system on qualifications, income, age and savings) is no longer open as they’ve reached the quota for the year. My partner and I did think about moving to my country but he can’t work there at this stage in his career (not qualified or paid enough for the visa requirements, and he already worked there under the working holiday scheme which is a once off).
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#109 Carly
I have to agree with you. I’ve noticed the general mood in Jersey towards our Polish community, is becoming rather venomous.
Whilst I wouldn’t want to see Jersey become too right-wing, it does appear that the States are more tolerant towards Eastern European arrivals than the UK.
Sadly, I also agree with Carly that the States have no idea how to tackle this thorny subject, and definitely have no idea how to quell the BNP style feelings that’s clearly growing
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#120 ‘As of July I’ll be living in Jersey and we’ve given ourselves one year and then will reassess how we like it. I’ve got things to keep me occupied if I can’t find a job’
Shouldn’t be a problem finding a job, future immigrant, just invent a post, tell them that no Jersey person is capable of doing it and tell them you’ve got ‘merit’.
The job will be yours.
Your mention of the commonwealth is worrying. You’re not a mate of a certain New Zealander, I hope.
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Hi C Le Verdic #122,
“certain New Zealander” was very probably expelled by the Maori women (perhaps they should have been less generous and just let their menfolk skin him !).
“future immigrant” is almost certainly a respecter of women and sounds intelligent and lovely and is almost certainly over qualified for proper employment on this little rock.
She should email her CV (asap) to hedindasands@gmail.com and I may be able to put her in touch with opportunities.
The Commonwealth is a big place and anyway most New Zealanders are normal, caring, balanced human beings.
C Le Verdic ; Your fears are probably unfounded.
P.S. don’t forget to vote. pmsl.
then again, this is jersey – one of the few places on earth where “Real Tripespeaker” might be electable.
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