The new system, launched today, aims to deliver an improved customer experience and a more efficient and responsive service.

It introduces a portal space with separate and individual accounts for both employers, employees and agents, making it easier to get up-to-date information on the status of applications. It also provides individual users with more ownership over the management of their accounts. 

According to the government, the new system will make the application process easier, more secure, more intuitive and in so doing will reduce inaccuracies in the submission of applications, resulting in more streamlined processing.

Employment lawyer Marianne Norton, an associate at Ogier, said: “The launch of the revised online system is undoubtedly a change that will be welcomed by employers as well as employees and agents. The hope is that it will provide a more streamlined and expedited process where employment permits are concerned.

“Of course, a new system brings with it a number of changes, and it is advised that users should familiarise themselves with the new portal and its features to avoid any delays in submitting future or time-critical applications.”