A NEW PANEL OF INDEPENDENT EXPERTS TO ASSESS THE UK'S MIGRATION NEEDS

A new panel of independent experts has been formally installed to discuss the effects of migration on UK's labour market and to identify those occupations that will benefit from migration to the UK. 

Membership of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) was confirmed less than 100 days away from the introduction of the Points Based System (PBS). The PBS, rolling out in early 2008, is promoted as simplifying immigration procedures as well as tightening security and immigration controls.

The panel will analyse the UK labour market and will report to Government in June 2008 with advice on which specific occupations have shortages which can be filled by migrants. The Migrants Impact Forum, which advises the government on the effect of migration to the UK, will be working in conjunction with the panel. Working together, the Government hopes to strike a "new balance" in setting the number of points a migrant needs to come to the UK. The MAC will advise on where migration is needed and where it is not.

If you require any further information on MAC or the PBS, please do not hesitate to contact Magrath LLP.