Govt denies residency rules are anti-British, anti-business or anti-growth after GSD criticism

The Government has denied its residency rules are anti-British, anti-business or anti-growth.

The Chief Minister claims it's a sensible and responsible framework to ensure that residency in Gibraltar is linked to genuine contribution and that its public services are properly protected.

Replying to criticism from the Opposition, the Government points out the GSD had seen the policy but had raised no concerns, adding it's a textbook example of opposition for opposition's sake.

The Government is of the opinion that if the Opposition's concerns were genuinely held, they should have been raised when the policy was shared with them, or at the very least immediately after publication.

It says the purpose of the new residency criteria is clear: They are designed to ensure that residence in Gibraltar is linked to genuine contribution, proper employment, adequate means, suitable accommodation, lawful conduct and the protection of public services.

The Government reiterates British nationals who come to Gibraltar to work, invest, contribute to the economy and form part of the community will continue to be a crucial part of Gibraltar's economic fabric. The policy, it says, also includes appropriate flexibility to deal with genuine cases where Gibraltar's economic interests require it.

And, it adds, it's consulted with the Convent and the Foreign Office on the new proposed rules with no suggestion that the policy is anti-British in any way. 

The Government also rejects the suggestion that these rules give Spain greater leverage over Gibraltar saying the opposite is true: A clear and properly managed residency framework strengthens Gibraltar's ability to decide who may reside here and on what terms.

The Chief Minister says it's difficult to take seriously the suggestion that the Opposition suddenly regards the changes as a major risk to Gibraltar.

Fabian Picardo claims the £37,500 per annum income figure for new residency of any nationality who want to reside and work on the Rock will have a beneficial impact on the economy.

The UK, he says, has a similar threshold for work and residence permit into the UK and in Gibraltar there will be exceptions to the thresholds allowed in specific cases where there is a need.

 He adds that increasing the population with new people on low wages, which is what Mr Azopardi advocates, reduces the average tax yield and increases the pressure on public services.