This European island is on the hunt for more South Africans

The Isle of Man Government has set a bold target to increase its population by targeting foreign professionals through recruitment incentives, and some South Africans have already made the move.

The Isle of Man wants to increase its population over the next five to seven years, aiming to boost the island’s economic growth and address demographic challenges.

With the current population standing at around 86,000, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract skilled professionals from around the world, including South Africans.

This population growth target is outlined in the Isle of Man Government’s Economic Strategy, which emphasises the need to fill skills gaps, particularly in sectors such as finance, healthcare, digital technology, and engineering.

By increasing the population to approximately 100,000, the government hopes to ensure a sustainable economy that can support essential services and improve the quality of life for all residents.

The government has identified attracting skilled workers as a crucial element in this plan.

The Isle of Man Department for Enterprise noted that “with an ageing population, there is a critical need for skilled workers to support the island’s economy and public services.”

The island aims to become a hub for innovation and investment by creating a business-friendly environment that encourages both local companies to grow and international firms to establish a presence.

One of the key regions the Isle of Man is targeting is South Africa.

South African professionals, particularly in the tech, financial services, and healthcare industries, are being sought after due to their high levels of expertise and experience.

The Isle of Man offers an attractive destination for skilled professionals looking for opportunities abroad. It has a stable economy, low crime rates, and no capital gains or inheritance tax.

South Africans are also drawn to the island’s thriving financial services sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the economy.

The Isle of Man Government has also put in place initiatives such as the Work Permit Waiver Scheme, which allows businesses to recruit skilled workers more easily, further opening doors for international talent, including those from South Africa.

According to salary and recruitment data firm Glassdoor and other experts, salaries offered on the island for professionals in the tech, financial services, Engineering, and healthcare industries range from £25,000 £70,000 depending on qualification and experiece.

This works out to roughly R587,000 to R1.7 million per annum.

The island, located in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland, has become a popular relocation destination, with a population of around 80,000 people. Notably, 10% of the island’s residents—about 8,000—are South Africans.

Marnie Delaney-James, Director of Isle of Man Opportunities, revealed that by March 2024, her company had already helped 45 South Africans relocate to the island within the first three months of the year.

The growing South African community on the island led to the hosting of the first-ever “Saffas Festival” at the end of 2023.

During the festival, Deputy Chief Minister of Trade and Enterprise, Jane Poole-Wilson, emphasised the island’s need for skilled professionals and the vibrant energy that South Africans bring.

She highlighted that the Isle of Man offers an exciting economy, eager to welcome more South African talent and businesses.

Sharon Constançon, Chairman of the SA Chamber of Commerce UK and a South African living abroad for over two decades, echoed these sentiments.

She encouraged individuals and businesses considering relocation to the Isle of Man to take advantage of the opportunities available.

According to Chief Minister Alfred Cannan, South Africans now represent the Isle of Man’s largest overseas population outside the British Isles.

This wave of emigration from South Africa has been driven by economic challenges and security concerns, with the number of South Africans leaving the country increasing by 87% over the past two decades. Over 900,000 South Africans have moved abroad to live and work.

Read: This is how many South Africans have moved to the UK, Australia, and Canada