UK Immigration Update – October 2019 Migration Advisory Committee – Call for evidence
Thu 24 Oct 2019
On Tuesday 25 September 2019 the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) launched a new call for evidence in relation to minimum salary levels and the Points Based System post Brexit. This is an exciting opportunity to provide input into how the UK immigration system could work after we leave the EU.
In June 2018 the Home Secretary asked the MAC to advise on future salary thresholds and the level at which they could be set. In September 2019 the MAC published its report and made a range of recommendations, including the recommendation to keep the existing minimum salary thresholds for all Tier 2 (General) migrants.
In December 2018 the government’s White Paper on the UK’s future skill-based immigration systems accepted most of the MAC’s recommendations, however the salary threshold recommendation was only partially accepted. The government has therefore asked the MAC to look further into the matter of salary thresholds.
There is a range of potential options to consider when setting a salary threshold included a single minimum threshold, going rates for roles or a combination of the both. The MAC has also been asked to consider the impact these thresholds will have on a range of areas including: annual net migration; resident workforce, public finances and the effects on the economy among them.
The MAC has also been asked to consider other factors including but not limited to: potential regional variations; high public value roles vs low salaries, allowances for new entrants and allowances, if any, for part time workers.
As the government accepted the MAC recommendation to open Tier 2 (General) to RQF Level 3 roles and above, all job titles at this level and above can be used to decide the most appropriate level of thresholds.
Following his appointment to Prime Minister in July 2019 Boris Johnson announced in his first statement to Parliament that one of his priorities was to review the current immigration system and look to introduce an “Australian-style” Points Based System after we Brexit.
The MAC was subsequently commission on 3 September 2019 to provide evidence-based recommendations on how thus system could work in the UK. The MAC will consider how to award points to migrants for different attributes included education, language, work experience and a willingness to work in areas or sectors with a shortage of workers.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to help inform and shape the MAC response. The questions laid out in the online form form the basis of the general information required by the MAC but organisations may provide other relevant information if it wishes to do so.
It is recommended that responses are submitted via the online form (link below) and are evidence based. Where possible it is request that data and/or examples are provided to support the answers.
If you have any questions in relation to the above topic or require assistance and guidance in relation to submitting evidence to the MAC please contact:
Sue Kukadia, Head of Immigration – sue.kukadia@mazars.co.uk
Michelle Askew, Senior Manager – michelle.askew@mazars.co.uk
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