Almost 1/3 compassionate exemption applications refused

1,231 out of 1,811 given permission since March lockdown

Since the coronavirus lockdown in March, more than 1,800 people have applied to come to the Isle of Man for compassionate reasons.

Around two thirds of those applications were successful.

You can be issued an exemption certificate to come here in certain circumstances, despite the border restrictions.

Figures released by the Cabinet Office show there have been 532 applications when the Isle of Man was at level five of the borders framework, and then 1,279 at level four.

So, of 1,811 in total, 1,231 were approved - which works out at just under 68%.

Manx Radio has received a number of accounts of people being denied entry.

One listener today said: "Our Manx born son has been refused permission to come home for Christmas on the grounds he's no longer a Manx tax payer."

"Very frustrating, especially considering hundreds of students will be coming back bringing who knows what with them."

Another listener complained: "1,400 key workers let into the island since March, but the caring Manx Government won't let Manx Born Manx Passport holders home for Christmas."

John rang the Mannin Line today to give his story:

The Cabinet Office said: "due to the way the systems have developed during the pandemic, we are unable to provide a breakdown of the reasons for requests."