§ Mr. AllasonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what rights United Kingdom citizens have to live and work in Jersey; [22711]
(2) if citizens of the Channel Islands have the right to live and work anywhere within the European Union. [22710]
§ Mr. SackvilleChannel Islanders benefit from European Union provisions relating to the free movement of persons or services only if they have close ties with the United Kingdom— for example, if they, a parent or grandparent were born, adopted, naturalised or registered in the United Kingdom—or they have been ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for a period of five years. The traditional right of abode in the United Kingdom for Channel islanders is, however, unaffected by these provisions.
There are no restrictions on British citizens travelling to Jersey, which, together with Guernsey, the Isle of Man, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom forms part of the common travel area.
However, in view of the serious shortage of dwelling space on the island, there are restrictions under Jersey law on the acquisition of dwelling accommodation, whether by purchase or by lease.